Mildred O. Carlson, 94, a long-time seamstress in the Austin, Minn., area, died Thursday, March 22, 2012, at Evergreen Hospice in Kirkland, Wash.

Mildred was born Jan. 12, 1918, to Ben Christianson and Amanda Sathre. The oldest of five children, she worked on the family farm. Mildred married Kenneth Carlson on Nov. 28, 1938, and they lived in Blooming Prairie, Minn.

In 1939 they moved to Austin, where Kenny became a self-employed carpenter and Mildred worked alongside him as the bookkeeper. Beginning in 1955, she worked also as a seamstress, doing alterations and sewing for people around the country.

In addition to being a talented seamstress, Mildred also enjoyed gardening, fishing, boating, baking, and caring for her family. She was a beloved wife, mother, and grandmother. She lived in her own home and cherished her independence. In November 2011, Mildred moved to Kirkland, to live with her daughter Audrey and son-in-law Myles, and her family is deeply grateful to have spent these months with her.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth, her parents and two brothers.

Mildred is survived by her daughter, Audrey (Myles B.) Asper; two sisters, Chris (Paul) Irvin and Wilma Cooper; three grandchildren Myles K. (Julie), Richard (Teresa), and Eugene (Renee); six great-grandchildren: Michelle, Marshall, Laura, Amanda, Terra and Ty; six great-great-grandchildren: Wendy, Maddison, Luke, Peyton, Caleb, and Benson; many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 5, 2012, at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Austin, with Todd Portinga officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery. Worlein Funeral Home of Austin is assisting the family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers that memorials be made to Evergreen Hospice, 12822 124th Lane NE, Kirkland, WA 98034. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.