It is fitting that the first family tribute focus on my mother, Barbara June (nee Osterhaus) Carlson -- especially today as it would have been her birthday.
Barbara was born in a farmhouse in Portage County, Wisconsin. Her parents were Frederick Marcus and Helene (nee Davidson) Osterhaus. When the doctor did not arrive at the house in time, Barbara's paternal grandmother assisted Helene with the delivery.
Family stories relate that Helene gave birth to her little daughter so close to midnight that mother and grandmother were never certain that she was born on August 5th or August 6th. They eventually decided that she was born on August 6th which was a Wednesday.
The following letter was written by my father as a tribute to my mother, Barbara June (nee Osterhaus) Carlson. They were married over 49 years and were very happy together.
Bergland, Michigan 49910
November 25, 1997
Dear Family and Friends,
This letter is written to inform our many friends that my beloved wife, Barbara Osterhaus Carlson, passed away on a Sunday afternoon, October 5, 1997, at our home on the east shore of Lake Gogebic. In tribute to Barbara, I would like to reflect with you on my more than 49 years of life with her and to ask all of you to remember your own special friendships with Barbara.
Barbara and I met in Madison, Wisconsin and were married on September 27, 1948. As I had rejoined the army, within a few weeks we were aboard the U.S. Army Transport, U.S.S. Alexander, bound for a 3½ year tour in Germany. From those early days of our marriage, Barbara dedicated her life to serving and guiding her family through all kinds of conditions and experiences. Our first daughter, Linda, was born in an ex-German Army Field Hospital. Later, our daughter, Mary, was born in a Quonset hut that served as part of the Fort Benning, Georgia hospital. With my military assignments, Barbara frequently became the sole parent for the children. Following my tour in Korea, she brought the little girls by ship to our new assignment in Okinawa. Here our son, William, was born, again in a Quonset hut. Some years later, after our second assignment in Germany, Barbara again had the sole job of parenting three young people while I served in Vietnam. She took these challenges in stride while providing inspiration for those around her.
As wife and mother, Barbara filled her family’s lives with honorable values. She taught the importance of family and friends. Birthdays and holidays were always remembered with special cards and letters. Her Christmas letters were written to each individual person until her health prevented her from doing so. Naturally, Barbara also enjoyed receiving letters in return and catching up on all the news of friends and family. While I was in Korea and Vietnam, Barbara wrote to me every day with few exceptions. For Barbara, family members simply took care of one another. We admired her as she nursed her own mother, and then my mother, through illness and old age. Her kindness and attentiveness toward elderly relatives were unfailing and notable.
Barbara, by example, taught that small tasks lead to great accomplishments. From brilliant balls of yarn came beautiful afghans and needlepoint tapestries. These gifts from her hands will be cherished for a long time to come. She taught in other ways, too. She taught lessons about nature with her stories of the animals and birds. She told about the doe and her fawn playing on the front lawn. The birds at the feeders were especially important. Barbara enjoyed identifying the birds and taught others how to identify them, too. She described how the adult eagles taught the young to fish and especially enjoyed telling of the young screaming eagle chasing its mother over the tree tops.
She was witty and smart – a good conversationalist. There was rarely a subject she could not discuss. As we listened to her, we learned so much over the years. Even when confined to home, Barbara remained active by reading the newspapers and watching the news. If there were moments to spare, she read and usually had a book in her hands or on the table nearby. She passed on to her children and grandchildren her appreciation for books and the importance of education and to excel in school. In so many ways, Barbara was the heart of the family. She shared her favorite family stories that spanned the generations. Our hearts were turned to loved ones from long ago. She connected her children with her own grandparents and other relatives. At the same time, Barbara helped us keep childhood memories alive through her stories and thoughts. She also liked adding new stories to treasure from the lives of her grandchildren. For us, Barbara helped weave the threads of family life into our daily lives.
Even when her own health failed her, Barbara’s sense of humor stayed with her. During the past four years, as she faced many health crises, Barbara remained gracious and courageous. Through her inspiring example, we hope that our own courage can better face life’s tests.
We treasure her memory and hope that her fine qualities are passed to her grandchildren. Barbara especially loved her five grandchildren. She recognized each grandchild as an individual and enjoyed their distinctive personalities. She helped direct their energies and interests in positive ways. When grandchildren came to visit, Barbara planned meals to please even the youngest ones.
Barbara will forever remain in our hearts. We hope that you may take a few moments to remember Barbara. Perhaps you might have a photograph you would be willing to share with us or a story to tell us about her. It would mean so much to us if you would write us a note and share your feelings and memories about Barbara. We want to compile a memory book to commemorate her life and contributions. We extend our special appreciation to our friends and family members who have been so helpful this past year.
Sincerely yours,
Raymond Carlson and Family
