Virginia "Ginger" Carlson

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Virginia “Ginger” Lee Gilsdorf was born on September 19, 1942, to Donald “Don” and Doris (Armbruster) Gilsdorf at the Graceville Hospital in Graceville, Minnesota. According to Doris, she and Ginger spent a week in the hospital and while there a September snowstorm went through the area. Doris preferred the name Ginger Lee, but she was given the saint's name Virginia to appease the church and she was baptized and confirmed into the Catholic faith. She was the oldest of four children, followed by her siblings: Tom, Phil, and Pam. The family lived west of Dumont until 1946 when Don and Doris bought the Collis farm. Ginger always loved the outdoors and according to Doris, Ginger spent a lot of time climbing trees when she was younger. Ginger went to Collis schoolhouse for several years before attending St. Mary’s Catholic School until 11th grade. Her senior year she attended Graceville High School and graduated with the class of 1960.

After her education she married, and she raised her three sons: Todd, Gary, and Brian Sletten. Though being a homemaker was her proudest title, she also worked as a CNA for many years. 

On February 28, 1989, she was united in marriage with Martin “Punk” Carlson and in doing so, she gained a rather large family. Ginger and Punk spent many happy years together, and Ginger learned many fun, new pastimes. The couple enjoyed golfing, fishing, going on hunting and fishing trips, and Ginger used her cooking skills for the fruits of those trips. Ginger and Punk bought a cabin on Big Stone Lake in 1995. They made many wonderful memories on the lake with their children and many grandchildren. 

Ginger was a member of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Graceville. She was known for having a clean house. She always enjoyed cooking, cleaning, sewing, ironing, and baking. She also loved the outdoors, spent time gardening, and adored flowers. Above all, she loved spending time with her children and grandchildren.

Ginger is survived by her mother, Doris Gilsdorf; her children: Todd Sletten, Gary (Leah) Sletten, Brian (Lisa) Sletten, Barb (Rick) Beyer, Larry Carlson, Cathy Gronfield, Mary Jo Stueve, Sally (Kevin) Corbett, Carol  (Chuck) Bauer, Bonnie (Steve) Maas; two brother: Tom (Mary) Gilsdorf and Phil Gilsdorf; one sister, Pam (Duane) Brehmer; many grandkids, great-grandkids, and great-great grandkids.

She is preceded in death by her father, Donald “Don” Gilsdorf; husband, Martin “Punk” Carlson; three stepsons: Dale Carlson, Mark Carlson, and Bruce Carlson; and daughter-in-law, Sandy Sletten.