Gail Lynn Carlson, 74, of Fertile, MN, passed away early Friday morning, May 17, 2024, in Altru Hospital, Grand Forks, ND, with her beloved family by her side just as they had been throughout her illness. 
Gail was born in Crookston on August 8, 1949, one of 6 children of the union of Gerard “Minnie” and Gladys (Boucher) Menard. She was baptized and confirmed in St. Anne’s Catholic Church and attended St. Joseph’s Academy, graduating with the Class of 1967. On February 17, 1968 Gail was united in marriage to the love of her life, Dwain Ray Carlson, in a beautiful ceremony at St. Anne’s. In the coming years Gail and Dwain would be blessed by the births of son, Luke, and daughter, Lorrie. In 1973 they moved from their Crookston home to nearby Fisher, and a year later to Gwinner, ND. From 1975 until 1981 the growing family lived in Grand Forks and then relocated to Dwain’s hometown of Beltrami, MN. Gail then began working for the Diocese of Crookston doing data entry and accounting. In 1989 came a move to Warroad and while Dwain was employed with Marvin Windows, Gail worked in the office of St. Mary’s Catholic Church. She later became an admitting clerk at Roseau Area Hospital before accepting a position as receptionist for Classic Changes. From 2005 until her retirement in 2011 Gail was a clerical specialist for Experience Works, a program within the Warroad School District serving the needs of pre-schoolers. Gail enjoyed many friendships made as a member of the Red Hat Society in Warroad. After their respective retirements Gail and Dwain returned to the area, settling in Fertile.
Throughout her life no matter where she called home Gail’s deep and abiding faith in her Lord went with her. She was a longtime member of the Carmelites 3rd Order of Red Lake Falls, and attended Catholic Churches wherever she lived. She was considered to be a prayer warrior; known for her sincerity, kindness, caring, and loving and compassionate nature. Gail enjoyed serving her Church through retreats with TEC and Cursillo. Favorite pastimes included dancing, singing, drawing and painting, and making jewelry. Quieter moments found Gail listening to music and planning where she and Dwain’s travels would take them next. While clothed in humbleness Gail was very proud to be the center of attention when given the greatest award she could ever receive, that of being named “Best Ever Wife, Mom, Grandma and Great-Grandma”. Period!
Gail will be very sadly missed by Dwain, her beloved husband and best friend for over 56 years; their son and daughter-in-law, Luke and Reinette (Atkins) Carlson of Woodland, CA; daughter and son-in-law, Lorrie and Timothy Prosje of Crookston; 6 grandchildren: Roshelle Marie Carlson, Avalon Rose Carlson, Krysti Rae (Warne) Jensen, Holly Lea Warne, Kelly Lynn (Carlson) Facio, and Jon Michael Prosje; 2 great-grandchildren, Matias Carlson and Olyve Jensen; 2 foster great-grandchildren; 3 siblings: Janelle Denise Menard of Grand Forks, Gary Lee Menard and his wife, Sue (Conneran) Menard of Crookston, and Bonita “Bonnie” Joanne (Menard) Olson of Crookston; brother-in-law, David Brule of Gentilly, MN; and from Dwain’s family 2 sisters-in-law, Connie (Don) Korynta of Grand Forks and Peggy (Don) Gallagher of Crookston; together with nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and many friends.
Gail is preceded in death by her parents, Gerard and Gladys Menard; sister, Kathleen Yvette (Menard) Brule; infant brother, Steven Joseph Menard, who died in 1953; parents-in-law, Ray and Lorraine Carlson; and brothers-in-law, Donald Carlson and Gary Carlson.
Blessed be the memory of Gail Lynn (Menard) Carlson.
Visitation for Gail will be at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Crookston on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 from 5-7:00 p.m., with a 7:00 p.m. prayer service and time of sharing. The Mass of Christian Burial for Gail will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, May 23 in the Cathedral with visitation for one hour prior to the Mass. Both services will be livestreamed by going to www.crookstoncathedral.com and clicking on the prompt to view. A graveside service will follow at 4:30 p.m. that afternoon at the Fairview Cemetery, rural Beltrami, MN. Messages of condolence may be offered to the family by going to Gail’s obituary page at www.stenshoelhouske.com
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