Marquita Carlson

Marquita Ann Carlson, lovingly known as Markie, age 85, of Wahpeton, ND passed away peacefully while holding hands with her soulmate of almost 68 years on Sunday, June 12, 2022 at St. Catherine’s Living Center.

Funeral services will be held Friday, June 24, 2022 at 11:00 am at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Wheaton, MN with Rev. Cheryl Berg officiating. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am. Burial will be at Wildwood Cemetery, Wheaton, MN.

She was born the 7th child of eleven, being the last daughter of William and Louise Blaedorn in Redfield, SD. Her unique name came from her father’s favorite song with Marquita in the lyrics.

She met Alfred Carlson, the love of her life in high school at the roller skating rink. Alfred was drafted during her Senior year and they wanted to get married before he left. Alfred insisted that Markie, at age 17, finish high school. On December 23, 1954 Markie and Alfred went to Webster, SD to elope. Alfred’s Army buddy and his wife served as their attendants. Markie continued to live with her parents until Alfred was discharged from the Army, when they began their life together. Their first home was a small trailer parked in the back yard of Markie’s parent. The city of Redfield kindly ask that they move the trailer to a more ‘suitable’ location.  During their remaining time in Redfield, their first son and daughter were born.

After leaving Redfield, they pulled their trailer to Wheaton, MN for a short period of time where Alfred drove truck for Markie’s uncle until he sold the business. The trailer and family moved to Chokio, MN and their second daughter was born. A short time later, the trailer and family moved back to Wheaton. When they discovered another child was on the way, they purchased their house in Wheaton in 1962. One more child completed their family of five children. Once all the children were in school, Markie took a job working at Crandall’s Cafe for a short period of time before starting her career at Wheaton Community Hospital. She started her 25 plus year employment at the hospital as a Nursing Assistant and ended as Head of Housekeeping upon retirement.

Markie had many passions. She loved embroidering dish towels and pillowcases for family and friends. She spent many hours doing latch hook, working picture puzzle, crossword puzzles, reading, and playing cards. She played and hosted Bunco parties and hosted Crazy Suppers. Her and Alfred loved to Square Dance. Markie's dresses she wore dancing would always match Alfred's shirt. Many times the kids would get to tag along to watch and even participate. Later in life, she and Alfred spent many hours playing bingo. Markie always said to her kids when going to play bingo, “we are going to spend your inheritance.” Markie’s luck at Bingo was the envy of everyone! She continued her winning streak playing bingo at the nursing home up until the end.

Markie and Alfred enjoyed traveling on their own and with tour groups. Markie saved every bi-centennial quarter she came across to help pay for their 50th Anniversary trip to Hawaii.

Markie was a member of the First Presbyterian Church. She served as a Deacon, taught Sunday School, and sang in the church choir. She was also a member of the Rebecca Lodge.

Markie is survived by her loving husband Alfred and their children: Patrick (Jenny) Carlson; Debra and the late Roger Jacobs and children, Shane (Nefize), Justin (Becky), Cory (Annie), and Brett (Kristin); Tammy (Larry) Henman and children Meghan (Scott), Laine (Kayla), and Halley (Jason); Russ Carlson (Rick Henderson) and children Alex and Andrew (Susan); Stephanie (Jim) Cornelius and children Alicia, Jordan (Haley), Gena, and Corbin; eighteen great-grandchildren and four siblings Bonnie, David, Richard, and Robert.

Markie was preceded in death by parents, six siblings, one granddaughter, two great grandchildren, and one son-in-law.