Dawn Pat Carlson

January 30, 1923 - September 5, 2020

Princeton – Dawn P. “Pat” Carlson of Princeton, IL passed away at Manor Court with her loving son by her side on Saturday, September 5, 2020. Pat was born in Blue Earth, MN on January 30, 1923, to the late Ellard and Mildred (Sloan) Smith. She met F. Gilbert through a carpool when they were both commuting to the Green River Ordnance Plant. She was the oldest of five children and had to drop out of school to help take care of her family by taking on odd jobs in the area. She worked at the Green River, Princeton Elks Club and Northern Restaurant. Pat married Gilbert Carlson on February 3, 1945. Their son Marvin was born one year later, to the day. They were married for 36 years before Gilberts passing in 1981. She was also a member of W. O. W. At the height of World War II, over 5,000 Women Ordnance Workers (WOWs) comprised 42% of the Armory's workforce. The WOW concept was created to foster patriotic spirit and identification with the war effort by women working in the US Army's war production sites. She was also a member of the First Lutheran Church and was an active member of the O.W.L.S. (older and wiser Lutherans). Pat is survived by her son Marvin (Cristy) Carlson of Portland, OR; one sister, June Sharer of Walnut, IL; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins. She is preceded in death by her parents, Ellard and Mildred Smith, her husband, F. Gilbert Carlson (05/01/1981), three siblings, David Smith, Lloyd Smith and Alice June Smith. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the First Lutheran Church. Private services will be held at a later date and time. Online condolences and memorials may be left at www.norberghf.com Arrangements by Norberg Memorial Home, Inc. & Monuments.