Erma Carlson, 86, formerly of Washburn, ND, passed away on July 10, 2020 at the Missouri Slope Living Care Center, Bismarck, ND.  Private family services will be held on Wednesday, July 15, 2020 at Birka Lutheran Church, Washburn.  Interment will be held at Birka Lutheran Cemetery.

Erma was born on May 6, 1934 in Bismarck, ND, the daughter of Edward and Lydia (Mittleider) Reiser. She was raised and educated in Washburn, She graduated from Washburn High School.   Erma married Thomas Carlson on January 25, 1954 in Bismarck.  They farmed and raised their family near Falkirk, ND for many years.  Erma loved gardening and putting up her special pickles.  She sold Avon and was an award winning distributor for many years.  Her Avon family was an extension of her own family and she always enjoyed visiting with them and watching their kids grow.  She loved sharing time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Erma loved many dogs through the years, she and Tom had many dogs.  Fee-Fee, Patchy, Brandy, CJ, Toto, and Zoey could be seen walking with Erma.  She even carried dog treats for her grand-puppies.

Erma and Tom were active sports fans during their grandchildren's lives.  They were the first ones in the gym for basketball games.  They made many great memories with friends while cheering on the Cardinals.

Erma loved all things red.  She loved flowers and after moving to Washburn, she loved having coffee with friends.  She had a red car and loved to be able to go when she wanted and where ever she wanted.

Erma is survived by her son, Bill (Kristine) Carlson; her daughter-in-law, Vivian Carlson; her sister-in-law, Marva Finck; 6 grandchildren:  Thomas Carlson, Cory Carlson, April Carlson, Toby (Shawn) Lunstad, Tracy (Ryan) Jaeger and Troy (special friend Jessie Welch) Carlson; 10 great grandchildren: Tyson, Taylar and Addilynn Lunstad, Auggy, Virgil and Teralee Jaeger, Vaden, Seskia and Silver Anderson and Zander Carlson; and 1 great-great grandchild, Boone Tomac.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Thomas in 2000; her son, Terry; 7 brothers and sisters.