Strandquist, Marshall County (trfnews.i234.me) — Janice Laura (Larson) Carlson, 86, of rural Strandquist, died Tuesday, January 20, 2026. Family said she passed away peacefully.
Carlson was born April 24, 1939, in Winger, Minnesota. Her parents were Edwin and Laura Larson. She grew up in Winger with her brother, Lyle Larson.
The family said two infant sisters died earlier in life. They said Carlson carried that loss with her for years.
Life and work
Carlson graduated from McIntosh High School in 1957. She married Edward Carlson on June 22, 1958.
The couple made their home on the Carlson family farm near Strandquist. They raised two children there. They were Robert Carlson and Lori Jensen.
Family said she worked daily on farm chores. She also milked cows. They said she held several local jobs over the years.
Her work included jobs at a Strandquist school. She also worked at a hatchery in Thief River Falls. She worked at a turkey plant as well.
She later drove school buses and Tri-Valley buses. Family described her as steady and kind.
Survivors
She is survived by:
- Son: Robert Carlson of Strandquist.
- Daughter: Lori (Todd) Jensen of Carver.
- Granddaughter: Kayla (Lowell) Naas.
- Great-granddaughter: Addie.
- Also remembered: Melissa (Dustin) Keller and Michael (Nicolle) Carlson.
- Grandchildren: Cody Swenson, Tabor Keller, Emma Keller, Ariella Kingbird, Hunter Connolly, and Zachary Carlson.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Edward Carlson, in 2019. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Lyle Larson. Family also listed her parents and two infant sisters.
Service details
A celebration of life is planned at Bethesda Lutheran Church in Strandquist. The service is Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at 1 p.m. A one-hour visitation will be held before the service.
Visitation is also set for Monday, January 26, 2026. It runs from 5 to 7 p.m. A service will follow at 7 p.m.
That Monday visitation will be at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls. For directions, use this map link.
Burial will be at Mission Cemetery near Strandquist. Readers can view cemetery information at this listing.
More updates may be posted by Johnson Funeral Service online.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.