Nancy Lee Carlson, November 21, 1941 ~ September 26, 2022, 80, of Lake Leelanau, MI, passed away Monday, Sept. 26, 2022,
at Bay Ridge Assisted Living Center, Traverse City, MI, with her children by her side.
Nancy was born Nov. 21, 1941, in Waupaca, WI, the daughter of Ole and Lizzie (Rasmussen) Thompson. On August 20, 1961, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Waupaca, WI she married Dan D. Carlson. They were married for 59 years.
Nancy graduated from Waupaca High School and upon graduation, enrolled at the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point where she studied Elementary Education and was an active member of Omega Mu Chi Sorority. Nancy had a strong work ethic. In her youth, she worked at Stratton Drug Store and Campell’s Clothing store while living in Waupaca. Nancy and Dan also enjoyed all the Chain O’ Lakes offered from dancing at the Casino, to enjoying summer fishing, swimming, and skiing at the lakes, to community events in downtown Waupaca.
A few years after marrying, Dan and Nancy moved their family to Grand Blanc, Michigan to follow Dan’s career at General Motors. After moving to Michigan, Nancy became a Substitute Teacher for Flint Community Schools. Nancy then became a Bank Teller at Genesee Bank for many years and also a Collections Correspondent for Sears Roebuck & Co. She spent her last working years as the Secretary and Bookkeeper for Grand Blanc Oil Co.
Nancy was also very involved in her community. She was an Elections Inspector for the City of Grand Blanc and the President and Secretary of the Williamsburg Farms Homeowners Association. She was also a Teacher’s Assistant for the Grand Blanc Community Schools. Nancy also volunteered her time with her children’s Brownie and Cub Scout Troops.
Dan and Nancy had many immediate and extended family relatives in Wisconsin, where many holidays and summer vacations were spent traveling to the Badger State. Their Wisconsin roots ran deep, both Nancy and Dan were passionate and life-long fans of the Green Bay Packers. The family fell in love withthe Grand Traverse area while vacationing during the Annual Cherry Festival every year. After retirement in 1996, Dan and Nancy moved to their lake home on South Lake Leelanau.
Nancy and Dan had a deep commitment to their marriage and creating their dream home in Lake Leelanau. Nancy and Dan built several homes while raising the family in Grand Blanc and with Nancy’s lead, customized floor plans to meet her decorating vision. Dan and Nancy loved to travel in their motor home to Gulf Shores, AL, during the Michigan winters and made many friends from across the country. Often returning to their childhood home of Waupaca to attend Waupaca High School Grand Reunions. Nancy and Dan were proud of their children and grandchildren holding them closely in their hearts.
Nancy is survived by two children, Julie (David) Ulseth of Interlochen, MI, and Eric (Kimberly) Carlson of Commerce Twp., MI. They have four grandchildren, all in Michigan, Emily (Carlson) Heins and her husband Ryan of Wixom, Andrew and his wife Kim Carlson of Rochester, Thomas Ulseth and his fiancé Kaitlyn Okopny of Royal Oak, and Morgan Ulseth of Interlochen. Additionally, a great- granddaughter (Annika Heins) and another great-grandchild who is on the way in April of 2023.
Nancy is also survived by two sisters, Lorrie (William) Clayton of Grafton, WI, and Donna Milius of Cedarburg, WI. Additionally, many other relatives, including nieces, nephews, and close personal friends.