Beverly Carlson

Beverly Louise Carlson, age 76, of Portage, MI passed away on July 19, 2016 due to complications following a year long battle with leukema. Bev was born on October 28, 1939 to the late Stanley and Charity Nowak in Kalamazoo, MI. She graduated from St Augustine High School in 1957. She was married to Carl "Merle" Carlson on August 30, 1958. Bev and Merle moved to Portage, MI where they resided until her death. Bev was a member of St Catherines of Siena in Portage and was a member of the Catholic Daughters. She was an avid bowler, loved flea marketing, casinos and spending time with her family. She is survived by husband Merle, four children, Julia Carlson, Don Carlson, Sheri (Arthur) Millard and Lori (Greg) Slater, sisters Barbara (Al) Strong, Marsha Hillyer, brother Stanley (Mari) Nowak as well as many grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, sister and brother in law Sharlene (Frank) Perrin and four nephews. Mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Catherines on Tuesday, July 26 at 11:00am. Friends may meet with the family one hour prior to service. Food and fellowship will follow the mass in Marian Hall at the church. In accordance with her wishes, cremation has taken place. In lieu of flowers, memorial contribution may be made to the West Michigan Cancer Center. Please go to her web page to leave a message for her family at Avink Funeral Home