Carol Carlson Obituary

It is with enormous sadness we announce the passing of long time Juneau businesswoman, artist and animal lover, Carol Carlson, 75. She passed away on May 15 at Providence Hospital after a massive stroke. The staff at Providence were especially competent and caring of Carol during her stay there. Her loving husband, Joe, was by her side.

Carol was born on June 30, 1946 to Henry and Delores Niemczycki. She was raised in a proud Polish enclave in NE Minneapolis and graduated from Edison High School in 1964. She then volunteered several years at Courage Center which was a rehabilitation and resource center for people with physical disabilities, brain injuries, speech or vision impairments, or hearing loss along with holding an outside job.

She met and married Joe Carlson in 1976 and they moved to Juneau in 1982.

Carol had excellent business sense and owned and operated three successful businesses including Sunburst on the Wharf, Tan Shears and Gold Mine Gifts. She especially enjoyed interacting with her employees and customers as she was a very involved and determined owner.

Carol had a life-long passion for art. When she retired she found time to indulge herself in her artwork. Carol was a multimedia artist. She loved acrylic abstract art but she also experimented with sculpting, beading, and drawing. She had many shows with her colorful, abstract paintings.

Her volunteerism was never ending. She was a longtime supporter of the Raptor Society and was a volunteer. She also volunteered her time for many years at The Bridge – an adult day care center and the Juneau Visitors and Convention Bureau. Carol was involved for many years with the Juneau Raptor Center. She supported the Juneau Animal Rescue and was concerned for the well-being of domestic and wild animals alike. She was also an active member of the Elks Lodge 420 for many years. Anything the Elks needed Carol and Joe were there to assist.

Carol had a deep love of animals especially Shih Tzu's. Her Shih Tzu fur babies were Rambo, Lulu, Chewy and Oreo; but in her yard she fed hummingbirds, juncos, eagles, deer and the occasional wandering cat.
She loved going to the Prospector (Ramada) every Friday night for dinner with Joe and friends. Much laughter and lively conversation was regularly heard from their usual booth at the end with many greetings to other long time Juneau friends who came in for dinner.

Carol was always in shape and walked or did water aerobics with girlfriends.

Carol touched the lives of so many people in such a short amount of time; she was able to accomplish much before her untimely passing and she will be greatly missed.

Carol is survived by husband Joe, her brother Tom and his wife Shelia.

She was a strong supporter of The Make A Wish Foundation, the Juneau Animal Shelter, Democratic Party and numerous animal support groups. The family requests that in lieu of flowers please consider a donation be made to their favorite charity.

A celebration of life will be held at the Ramada (Prospector)) from 2-5pm on Saturday, June 25, 2022. Light appetizers will be served.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Juneau Empire from May 24 to Jun. 23, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Carol Carlson

11 Entries

Elaine Strike

July 12, 2024

Joe - A friend mentioned today that she was going on an Alaskan cruise next month, and it brought back memories of our trip there several years ago. I especially remembered the awesome trip to Taku Lodge and salmon dinner! That was so awesome.
In checking to see if I could find you & Carol, I came across Carol's obituary. I am so sorry to hear of the massive stroke that took her life. She was a very gifted and caring woman. I understand your loss, as my husband was diagnosed with leukemia and went from a healthy, active, still working man, to someone who struggled with the disease for a bit over a year. Hugo died in February of 2023. Life is different now, as you certainly understand. With the help and support of our kids and friends and strength from above, I am adjusting to this new life. I pray that you are too.

Kelsey

October 21, 2023

Carol was an incredible woman that I had the pleasure of knowing as a volunteer at the adult day program. She was exceedingly kind and attentive to the program participants, helping them to live the final chapters of their lives with dignity and respect. One of my favorite memories of Carol is when a bird flew into the building- while the rest of us panicked, Carol (having been a longtime volunteer with the raptor center) knew exactly what to do and calmly escorted our winged friend back out the door. Thank you for everything you taught me, Carol. I´m so honored to have known you!

Donna and Vern Voss

June 16, 2022

Joe, so sorry to here of Carol's passing. We remember many of the good times with the both of you. we built our house in NC with a circular stairs after seeing your beautiful home. We often talk about the raptor work and how she enjoyed it. We remember feeding the eagles from your balcony with meat scraps. she was a neat and dear friend.

Karinda Perdon

June 8, 2022

I am so sorry to hear of Carol's passing. I worked for her at Gold Mine Gifts for several years. She was a great boss. Peace be with Joe and also with Carol's family.

Robert & Sheila Stamm - Ketchikan

June 5, 2022

Joe - we are both thinking of you every day. There are just no words. She was an amazing person. With Love, Sheila & Robert.

Mark E.

June 1, 2022

So saddened to hear of Carol's passing. She would always stop and say hello whenever passing by my workplace.
I knew Carol because she hired my late mother to work at one of her gift shops. She was always so kind and thoughtful towards my late mother. Mom always had nothing but kind words to say about her former boss, Carol Carlson.
She truly did touch the lives of many.
That is to Carol's credit. She will be missed.
My heartfelt condolences go out to Carol's friends and family.

Sharon Derosier

Planted Trees

Sharon Derosier

May 26, 2022

I remember Carol when she lived in Minnesota. Joe and Carol would buy fixer upper houses, they enjoyed working together making these fixer uppers into beautiful homes. Joe and Carol fell in love with Alaska, together they bought a home in Juneau and started working on their own home fixing it up.
They invited me to Alaska after my husband passed and gave me the grand tour of Juneau, I met many of the friendly people they fell in love with. We went fishing and I enjoyed the tour of the town. I´ve been to Juneau three times now and every time Carol was always so thoughtful, friendly, fun loving, a woman who loves life. The life she lived, and the ways she touched hearts, will always be remembered. In this time of grief there are no words to take away the sadness when you lose someone you love. May her memory and the many lives she touched carry you on to brighter days.

Tom Carlson

May 26, 2022

Sister-in-law Carol was such a vibrant, compassionate, person; we all were blessed to have known her.

John DeCherney

May 25, 2022

Carol was a lovely person in every sense of the word. She was bright, funny and full of life. Nancy and I enjoyed getting to know her and spending time with her and Joe. Juneau is a sadder and less elegant place with her passing. Alev shalom.

Sue

May 24, 2022

Carol I'm stunned to read you've passed. You were such an important volunteer at the Bridge, always helping clients, making special treats for the holidays and having fun with staff. It was a sincere pleasure to have known you. I have to smile knowing Cam is up there with you.
Rock on girls! May God bless you Carol.

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