Jean M. Carlson

Jean Mary (nee Hess) Carlson, 97 years, 6 months and 26 days, of Arbor Vitae, died on May 18, 2016 at Seasons of Life Hospice House in Woodruff. She was born on October 23, 1918 in Chicago, IL, the daughter of Charles Joseph Hess, Sr. and Lily (nee Folczyk) Hess. Jean attended Proviso High School in Maywood, IL. She had met the man of her dreams, Vernon John Carlson, and on June 30, 1954 they were married in Melrose Park, IL. Jean worked for several years as an elevator attendant at Marshall Fields in Chicago. In 1956, Vern and Jean moved to northern Wisconsin and purchased the Arrowhead Inn in Arbor Vitae. It was a fully operating resort with cabins and a full bar. Jean worked at the Arrowhead Inn, until 1973 when it sold. Along with working at the Arrowhead Inn, Jean also cleaned 7 cabins and was busy raising her daughter, Barbi. After that she worked at Bosacki’s for 14 years and 2 years at the Diamond Inn as well as Jim Peck’s, Dan’s Gay 90’s, Lula’s and Monical’s Pizza. Jean was also a familiar face at the voting polls, where she volunteered for many years. She enjoyed making her famous 8 pound carrot cakes, crossword puzzles, games shows, going out for a Friday night fish fry and was an avid Packer fan. At the young age of 93 years old, Jean ended up retiring. Her last place of employment was Monical’s Pizza, which used to be the Arrowhead Inn; ironically her working career began and ended in the very same spot of the Northwoods. Jean surrendered her driver’s license at age 95 and to say she was not happy about it would be an understatement! In two words, Jean was selfless and hardworking. She worked hard at everything she did and devoted her entire life to helping others anyway she possibly could. Jean was a classy woman who always wanted to look her best and she did! She always put her husband, Vern, and daughter, Barbi, first- she would have done anything for them. Jean was loved by many and will be dearly missed by all whom had the pleasure of knowing her. Jean is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Vernon Carlson; brothers, Charlie, Stanley and Eddie Hess; beloved sister-in-laws Norma, Ann and Fern; brother-in-laws, Duane and Arnie and grand dogs, Princess, Lucas and Lucky dog. She is survived by her loving daughter and best friend, Barbi Jean Carlson; niece-in-law, Suzi James and her daughter, Melanie (James) Cockrum; step daughter, Pia (Ray) Cresswell and their children Joshua, Johanna and Matthew and step great grandchildren. Visitation will be held from 10:00 – 11:30 AM on Saturday, June 4, 2016 at Calvary Lutheran Church in Minocqua, followed by a Memorial Service at 11:30 AM.

Jean M. Carlson

October 23, 1918 - May 18, 2016