Carla M. Carlson, age 54, resident of rural Finley, ND, died Saturday, July 11, 2009 at the Cooperstown Medical Center Nursing Home in Cooperstown.

Carla Marie Mikkelson was born April 19, 1955 at Devils Lake, ND, the daughter of Vince and Ardys (Pulst) Mikkelson. She was raised on her parents farm near Starkweather, ND, and graduated from Starkweather High School in 1973. Carla then attended Minot State University, where she received a degree as a legal secretary. She worked for Western States Life Insurance Company in Fargo, ND. Carla married Larry K. Carlson on August 25, 1989 at Chain Lake Lutheran Church in Starkweather. They made their home and farmed near Finley. Carla enjoyed spending time reading and sewing. She had been the president of Sheyenne Valley Lutheran Church , where she also taught Sunday School and was the superintendent. She also was a member of the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary at Finley.

Carla will be greatly missed by her husband, Larry Carlson; her daughter, Amber Carlson; her son, Lynn Carlson, all of Finley; 2 sisters, Carol (Dana) Carlson of Finley, and Gail (Keith) Vandal of Bottineau, ND; and several extended family members.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Carla's Funeral Service will be held at Sheyenne Valley Lutheran Church, rural Finley, on Tuesday, July 14, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. Interment will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held at the Cooperstown Funeral Chapel on Monday, July 13, 2009 beginning at 1:00 p.m. with a Prayer Service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue at the church on Tuesday, from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service.

Arrangements with the Cooperstown Funeral Chapel.