Shirley Carlson

Shirley Carlson, 77, of Bismarck, passed away on September 7, 2025.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 13, at Riverstone Church, 2700 State Street, Suite E, Bismarck. To view the service livestream, click this link: Riverstone Church Livestream.

Visitation will be from 5:00–6:00 p.m. on Friday, September 12, followed by a time of sharing at 6:00 p.m., at Eastgate Funeral Service, 2302 E Divide Avenue, Bismarck.

Burial will take place at Mandan Union Cemetery, Mandan.

Shirley was born in Rugby, ND, on October 6, 1947, to Mickey (Martin) J. O’Connell and Rosie Haman. Mickey was of Irish descent, and Rosie’s family were Germans from Russia. Shirley grew up on the family farm two miles outside of Towner, ND.

As a young girl, Shirley showed cattle through 4-H, which earned her a trip to 4-H Club Congress in Chicago. She attended Towner High School and went on to graduate from North Dakota State University in 1969 with a degree in Home Economics, partially financing her education through her 4-H show animals.

On June 21, 1969, Shirley married Arthur Lee Carlson in Towner. Afterward, they moved to Milwaukee, WI, where they lived for four years. They later moved to Red Wing, MN, where Art was involved in building the Prairie Island Nuclear Plant. While in Red Wing, Shirley and Art ran a coffeehouse for teens, offering coffee, dessert bars, and live music in a safe and welcoming space.

The family then relocated to St. Cloud, MN, where Art worked on the Sherco Power Plant. During that time, Shirley and her friend Judy Miller helped settle Vietnamese refugee families. They guided them through many challenges—especially adjusting to Minnesota winters. While the children embraced outdoor skating, parents often stayed in warm cars with the heater blasting! Shirley’s basement served as a makeshift clothing store, providing donated winter clothes at no cost.

On December 17, 1975, Shirley and Art adopted their first daughter, Shannon, from South Korea. Shirley loved to share the story of receiving the call from their social worker—she had to get Art down from the roof that he was replacing before hearing the joyful news that their daughter was on her way. Her excitement was so great she jumped around with joy! Good thing they weren’t on the roof!

The family later moved to Bismarck, where Art helped design and build the Antelope Valley Power Plant in Beulah. While in Bismarck, they adopted their second daughter, Kimieko (Megan) Carlson, also from South Korea. A few years later, the family lived in Kansas City, KS, before returning to Bismarck, which remained their true home. At every place they lived, Shirley and Art formed lifelong friendships.

Family was always Shirley’s greatest joy. Shirley devoted much of her time to volunteering in her daughters’ classrooms and being present when they returned from school. Her commitment provided opportunities to connect with other students and parents, creating a strong and supportive community.

Strong-willed, Shirley was never shy about sharing her thoughts. She was also a warm hostess, known for the many gatherings she planned for family and friends. Hospitality was second nature to her, and her home was always filled with laughter, good food, and good company.

Shirley loved to read, especially English and Irish mysteries as well as historical romance novels. In her later years, she grew especially fond of Bible studies, small Christian groups, and books by Christian authors.

She also worked at several coffee shops in Bismarck, including Starbucks, where she became a skilled barista. Shirley was known for her listening ear, friendly spirit, and infectious laugh. Her laugh lifted the spirits of many, and Art often said he could find her in a crowd simply by following the sound of her laughter.

Shirley found great joy in attending Riverstone Church, where she thrived in fellowship and service. Whether volunteering to make coffee, extending hospitality, or offering a listening ear, she was truly in her element and cherished the community she found there.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Micheal. She is survived by her husband, Art; daughters, Shannon Carlson (Tim Ricke) and Kimieko Megan Carlson; beloved dog, Genie Beanie; dear friends Bernie, Nancy, Diane, Evie, Sheryl and Phil, Don and Nancy, and Dennis and Marie; and Cindy Nickel.

Memorials may be sent to Sam Desir at Every Child Ministries at PO Box 810, Hebron, IN 46341, STEER Inc, PO Box 1236, Bismarck, ND 58502, or Great Plains Food Bank, 1315 S 20th St, Bismarck, ND 58504.