Wilma F (Gregory) Carlson

Wilma F. Carlson, passed away peacefully on August 22, 2015 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Wilma was born January 6, 1913 in Grinnell, Iowa. She was the first of three daughters to Clinton and Rosa Gregory. Upon the premature death of their parents, the three girls were taken in by dear family friends Rev. and Mrs. L.L. Bond, who raised the girls as their own. Wilma graduated from Waukon High School and Northern Iowa University in Cedar Falls, Iowa. For several years she taught in a rural school house until she moved to Chicago where she met Howard William Carlson. They were married in 1939 and had two children, Donald and Darlene. In the early 1950’s Wilma and her family moved to Green Bay, Wisconsin where she directed the Green Bay Cooperative Nursery School and the De Pere Nursery School. Before retiring she was a licensed practical nurse at Bellin Hospital. During her retirement she volunteered for the Red Cross Blood Mobile and tutored in schools and libraries. She loved to read to school children. Her storytelling was animated, spellbinding and beloved by all; especially when she spoke of butterflies. Her husband Howard and her sister Dorothy Lindroth preceded her in death. She is survived by her son Don (Carrie) Carlson, her daughter Darlene (Jerry) Schwoerer, her sister Virginia (Curtis) Peters, her grandchildren: Dan (Jacqui) Carlson, Debra (Jared) Coulombe, William (Laura) Schwoerer, Troy (Ellen) Schwoerer and Katie (Anders) Schwoerer; great-grandchildren: Kaitlyn Zenahlik, Sydney Carlson, Jacob and Colton Coulombe, Carlson and Bowen Schwoerer and Leo Schwoerer, as well as many nieces and nephews. Wilma considered Dennis and Terry Gauger, Mark and Sue Schutte and their children as part of her family. Wilma was a resident of Century Ridge Assisted Living for the last 7 years. Wilma’s family wishes to thank the Century Ridge staff for their diligent and loving care, as well as the compassionate care of the SouthernCare Hospice staff. Family and friends may visit at Cotter Funeral Home, 860 N. Webster Avenue, De Pere, on Wednesday, August 26, from 4-8pm, where there will be a family-led service at 7:00pm. Entombment in Allouez Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary. To all who knew her, you knew her love for Mother Nature. She has taught us to truly appreciate Her and all the beauty She has to offer, but also how fragile and delicate She is and that we must take care of Her. So many fond memories, so many great experiences, so much love! All of us lucky enough to who have been touched by Wilma will be forever moved by her love and affection for all living things. She will be truly missed by us all.