n Monday, September 12, 2016, Georgia “Sam” Carlson was 68 years old when she passed away peacefully.
A time of gathering will be held on Thursday, September 15, from 4-7 pm at Ballard-Sunder Funeral and Cremation, Prior Lake Chapel and one hour prior to the Celebration of Life Service on Friday, September 16 at 11 am, led by Pastor Sam Choi. Pallbearers are Scott Elias, Michael Elias Jr, Jim Walsh, John Glisczinski, Bill Schmiedlin and Steve Scholz, with honorary bearers of Lyn Walsh, Paulette Quiring, Rose Krueger, Linda Andersen, Wanda Pawlowski, Bettye Titus, Pat Seddon, Deanna Ludescher, Melissa Horner and Mary DeBaere. Interment is at St. Michael’s Catholic Cemetery, Prior Lake, MN.
Robert and Mildred “Jeanne” (Riddle) Clemens announced the birth of Georgia Jean on March 3, 1948, in Minneapolis, MN. This date of March 3 became the universal birthday for her sister Jo, born one year later and Cousin Jeff, actually born 12 hours after Sam on the 4th. They became the Three Musketeers!!! They were inseparable and enjoyed each other’s company, especially when it came to Jo and Jeff playing practical jokes on Sam. It was in school that she was given her name nickname of “Sam” Clemens by a classmate when they were reading Mark Twain. She claimed the name and has been known as Sam ever since.
First attending Forest Elementary, Sam continued her education at Robbinsdale Junior High School, and graduating from Robbinsdale High School in 1966. Her first job was working at the local telephone company until she married. Years later, Sam worked for Fahey Sales, before she had a 20 plus career with Scott County. Here, Sam worked in Central Services and in Human Services as a supervisor.
Sam’s life was enriched when she met and married Larry Carlson in 1973. They were blessed with a daughter Jodi and son Robert. Born and raised in the city, Sam learned quickly the lifestyle of living on the farm in Belle Plaine. Sam’s family worked hard raising dairy cows and showing Belgian horses. Over the years, the horses became the main focus in the summers, as they took to the road showing them at fairs and parades. Sam spent countless hours shopping for that perfect hat to wear at the shows. Unfortunately in 1997, Sam and Larry parted ways. In search of that perfect home, Sam found a townhouse she loved in Shakopee, where she welcomed family and friends for the next 18 years.
A skilled artist, Sam painted and taught ceramics for decades. She started an annual local craft fair with others including Jo and best friend, Quaasi (Carol Quaas). Sam transformed a room in her basement for crafting, especially for scrapbooking. She relished crafting with her granddaughters and creating special gifts for family. Christmas was huge for her, as Sam loved making and buying unique gifts. She enjoyed watching movies with her granddaughters and making special treats. Sam relished playing cards with girlfriends and having fun. She loved playing games and putting together jigsaw puzzles. Through life, Sam love to fish. She shared this passion with her children, sister Jo and husband Mike and friends.
Sam was head strong, determined and a fighter! She had this wonderful sense of humor and was a good sport. It will be Sam’s giving and content personality that she will be best remembered for. Sam was always happy with what she had in life.
The legacy of Sam will continued to be lived out in her daughter, Jodi (Jeremy) Scholz; son, Robert Carlson; granddaughters, Rachel Carlson, Nora Scholz, Hazel Scholz; sister, Jo (Mike) Elias; nephews, Michael Elias Jr., Scott (Jenny) Elias and their children, Connor and Olivia; aunt, Annette Clemens; cousins and devoted friends.
Preceded in death and there to welcome Sam home is her father, Robert L. Clemens.
Georgia “Sam” Carlson, 68 of Shakopee passed away on September 12, 2016 at Auburn Manor in Chaska.
Visitation will be on Thursday, September 15, 2016 from 4-7 pm at Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation, 4565 Pleasant Street SE, Prior Lake.
Celebration of Life service will be on Friday, September 16, 2016 at 11:00 am at Prior Lake Baptist Church, 5690 Credit River Rd SE, Prior Lake.
Lifestory to follow.
