Carol Jean Larsen Carlson

With profound love and deep gratitude, we honor the life of Carol Jean Larsen Carlson, our beloved mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and dear friend to so many. Carol passed away peacefully at The Ridge Cottonwood on February 2, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born on February 9, 1938, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Earl Woodruff Larsen and Helen Keate Larsen, Carol was the eldest of their children and enjoyed a joyful childhood in the Sugarhouse area, surrounded by her many cousins and family members.

She attended South High School, where she met a handsome football player, Jan Emery Carlson. Together, they shared a love for dancing and music, creating the foundation for a lifelong romance. Carol pursued her education at the University of Utah, earning a degree in Early Childhood Education. As a proud member of the Chi Omega Sorority, she was honored to be pinned by her Sigma Chi sweetheart, Jan.

Carol and Jan married in the Salt Lake Temple and built a life filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. They raised three beautiful daughters—Kate, Kristi, and Kari—instilling in them a love of nature, skiing, the arts, and sports, not to mention the pride of becoming a true University of Utah sports fan. 

Throughout her life, Carol had an innate ability to make those around her feel special. While she didn’t like to be the center of attention, we all knew she was behind the scenes creating the magic. From beautifully prepared Sunday dinners to exquisitely wrapped gifts, she always brought her creativity and high standards to everything she did. Her Christmas candy plates, filled with toffee, caramels, fudge, and divinity, were treasured gifts to all who received them.

Carol was an active and devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving in many callings with creativity and dedication. She wholeheartedly supported Jan during his time as bishop of the Butler 16th Ward and was always prepared to serve those around her. Later in life, she and Jan dedicated three years to serving a mission at the Utah Youth Correctional Center, where they touched many lives with their kindness, compassion, and faith.

In addition to her time as an elementary and preschool teacher, Carol ran the Highland Dental Center, where she enjoyed engaging with the patients while managing the office.

Carol embraced life with kindness and a sense of completion. She loved playing cards and games with friends, reading mystery novels, and working on puzzles with her family. Despite her petite frame, she was quite a bowler, helping to secure numerous victories, sometimes putting her husband to shame.

Upon marrying an avid sportsman, she quickly toughened up and mastered the fine art of boating, camping, and fishing, making cherished memories with her family on their many outdoor adventures and the infamous annual “Girls Trip.” 

Carol’s legacy lives on through her family, who were the greatest joy of her life. She is survived by her siblings, David (Anne) Larsen and Linda (Sam) Gustafson; her daughters, Kathleen (Jim) North, Kristi (Richard) Maires, and Karin (Steven) Benson; her eight grandchildren; and her soon-to-be seventeen great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jan Emery Carlson, and her parents.

A service honoring Carol’s beautiful life will be held on February 10, 2025, at Mountain View Memorial, 3115 Bengal Boulevard, Cottonwood Heights, UT 84121.

• Viewing: 9:30 AM
• Funeral Service: 11:00 AM

We welcome your comments and memories on this website in the guestbook below. 

We are very grateful for the support of the Alzheimer’s Association, and for those inclined to donate in memory of Carol Carlson, please use the following link. https://act.alz.org/site/TR/Events/Tributes-AlzheimersChampions?pxfid=940082&fr_id=1060&pg=fund

Carol’s kindness, strength, and love will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. Though she is no longer with us in body, her spirit, laughter, and love remain woven into the fabric of our lives.