Luella E. Carlson, 89, of Fargo, North Dakota passed away Wednesday, January 9, 2019, at Bethany Retirement Living surrounded by her family.

Luella was born on April 21, 1929 to Willie and Magdalena Kusler on the family farm near Kulm, North Dakota. She graduated from Kulm High School in 1948, attended college in Ellendale and taught school for two years. She decided that she would like to continue her education. She moved to Fargo to attend Fargo Business College. In 1954, Luella married John M. Carlson, raised a family, and ran several businesses, including Carlson’s Launderette. They later divorced and Luella began her independence. She put her bookkeeping skills to use at H&R Block, NDSU, and Marque Dental. She loved to travel to visit her children and their families, her aunts and other extended family all over the country. Luella’s hobbies were quilting and jigsaw puzzles – she always had one or more of each in progress! Most of all, Luella loved her life in Christ and service to her church, Calvary United Methodist. Luella was a devoted member of Calvary since 1955 and served as membership secretary, on the Building Committee, and treasurer for many years.

Luella is survived by her children: Steve (Jane) of Idaho Falls, Idaho, Brad (Jamie) of Anchorage, Alaska, Liza of Akeley, Minnesota, Nancy (Doug) Ritchey of Prescott Valley, Arizona; four grandchildren and one great-grandchild; sister Joyce (Lyle) Janke; brothers Marlin (Esther) Kusler, Howard (Lucy) Kusler; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Luella was preceded in death by her parents, an infant sister, her son Timothy, and her sister Idella (Gerald) Nelson.

Memorials preferred to Calvary United Methodist Church or Ethos Hospice.