CHERYL CARLSON obituary

Cheryl Lynn Braun Carlson, 57, left this world Dec. 22, in Spokane, Wash., following complications from heart surgery.

Her memorial service will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, at the First Lutheran Church, with Pastor Brad Ulgenes officiating. A fellowship luncheon will follow at the church immediately after the service. A private family burial will be held at a later time. Memorials in Cheryl's honor may be made to Special Olympics of Havre, to the Montana MDA, 2070 Overland Ave., No. 101 Billings, MT 59102-7429 or to a memorial of one's choice. Cheryl was born in Havre, Mont., on Nov. 25, 1952, to Harold E. and Edith (Moore) Braun. She was raised west of Big Sandy on the family farm. Cheryl graduated from Big Sandy High School in 1971 and later attended Great Falls Commercial College, earning a business degree. During her career she was employed by Big Sandy Public Schools, the State of Montana and Thompson-Swenson attorneys- at-law. For the past 16 years, Cheryl was an executive assistant at Hill County Electric and Triangle Telephone Cooperative in Havre. Cheryl was a caregiver to her family and extended family and was also a parent coach and volunteer for Special Olympics and the Muscular Dystrophy Association. She loved life, laughter, spending time with friends and family, tending her roses and crafting special gifts for her loved ones. Cheryl treasured times at the family farm and at the cabin in the Bears Paw Mountains. She loved music and was modest about her skills as a pianist. Cheryl had taught private piano instruction to many students and helped her husband with the many musical activities in their lives. She was preceded in death by her father, Harold, in 1997; and her father-in-law, Cliff, in 1998. Cheryl is survived by her husband of 25 years, David Carlson of Havre; sons, Gary (Jen) Evans of Highwood, Michael (Annie) Grubb, Mitchael Grubb and Jeffrey Carlson all of Havre; mother, Edith Braun; mother-in-law, Dagney Carlson of Havre; brothers, Glen (Vicki) Braun of Big Sandy and Douglas Braun (Dave) of Havre; grandchildren, Tanner, Maddie, Regan and Brielle; and sisters-in-law, Charlene (Vern) Tolo of Pasadena, Calif., and Lenore (Robert) Davies of Lark Spur, Calif. Extended family include two special aunts, numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Cheryl loved Christmas and the season, and we know she is spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.