Jean M. Carlson
Jean M. Carlson
Jean Marie Carlson, 64, of Murdock, Minnesota died Friday, April 10, 2026 with her family by her side at Bethesda Grand in Willmar. Her memorial service will be at 11:00 a.m., Friday, April 17, 2026 at Kerkhoven Lutheran Church. Visitation will be 5-7:00 p.m., Thursday at the church and continue one hour prior to her service. Burial will be at West Lake Cemetery in Sunburg.
Jean Marie Carlson was born April 23, 1961, to Roger and Mary (Harris) Gafkjen in Duluth. She grew up in Hermantown until the age of 13, when her family moved to Blaine. Jean graduated from Blaine High School in 1980 and went on to attend White Deer Cosmetology College.
Following her education, Jean began her career as a beautician at Anoka Plaza in Blaine. June 24, 1989, she was united in marriage to Robbin Carlson at Kerkhoven Lutheran Church. Together, they made their home on the Carlson homestead. Jean continued her work in cosmetology at The Hair Connection, first in Sunburg and later relocating her business to Kerkhoven, where she dedicated 43 years to caring for her clients.
Jean had a love for cooking and was known for her specialties, including beef stroganoff, five-can casserole, and green bean casserole. She also took great pride in her large flower garden and enjoyed her fishpond filled with goldfish.
Above all, Jean was deeply devoted to her family. She was a constant presence at her children’s and grandchildren’s activities, attending their sports events, meets, rodeos, and recitals. Jean will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, daughter, and friend.
Jean is survived by her husband, Rob; children: Brett Carlson of Murdock, Bailey (Brady) Wersinger of Murdock and Brooke (Cody) Simenson of Kandiyohi; grandchildren: Weston, Emmett, and Karlee Wersinger and Cooper, Cash and Cheyenne Simenson; her mother, Mary Gafkjen; siblings: Lynn Radtke, Scott (Michelle) Gafkjen and Lori Glesne as well as other family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her father, Roger Gafkjen; sister, Karen Gafkjen, nephew, Aaren Gafkjen and brother-in-law, Rod Radtke.
Arrangements are with Harvey Anderson & Johnson Funeral Home in Willmar, www.hafh.org
