Helen Joan Carlson

Helen Joan Carlson (Davies), age 93, of Oconomowoc, passed away on November 4, 2026, with family by her side. Affectionately known as Joan to family and friends, she was born in Waukesha on October 12, 1933, to the late Richard A. and Cora (Jensen) Davies.

Joan spent her childhood growing up in the village of Wales on Villa Vu Farm, a place that remained part of her story throughout her life. She graduated from Waukesha High School in 1951 and married the love of her life, the late Richard A. Carlson, on February 7, 1953.

Throughout her working years, Joan worked at Waukesha Memorial Hospital, the Kettle Moraine School District and the Waukesha County Courthouse. She was a longtime member of Jerusalem Presbyterian Church in Wales, where she faithfully served as choir director, Deacon, and Elder.

Above all else, Joan treasured her family. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were her greatest joy, and she took immense pride in each of them. She found happiness in the simple pleasures of life, especially tending to her flower beds and spending time gardening. Joan and her husband cherished their summers at Leech Lake in Minnesota, where they enjoyed fishing, nature’s beauty, and the peaceful, open spaces of the North.

Joan will be lovingly remembered as a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. Her love for family, the memories she created, and the life she shared with those around her will remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

She was the beloved wife of the late Richard A. Carlson; loving mother of Sharon (Dr. Gary) Rosenmeier and Steve (Mila) Carlson, and the late Jacqueline Neubauer; and dear sister of Margaret Ann Temby and Richard Davies.

She is further survived by her grandchildren, Melissa (John) Dolney, Bryan (Paige) Brunclik, Kristopher (Jessie) Clewell, Kimberlee Ann Neubauer, Daniel (Jamie) Neubauer, and Richard Steven Carlson; and her great-grandchildren, Zackery, Ian, and Jack Dolney; Noah and Isaac Brunclik; Irene and Veronica Clewell and Charlie Neubauer. She is survived by many other relatives and loved ones.

A graveside service for family and friends will be held at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, November 10, 2026 at Salem Cemetery, Wales, WI.