Mila J. Carlson, 77, of Superior, passed away unexpectedly Friday, March 23, 2012 at Essentia-St. Mary's Hospital in Duluth.

Mila was born in Superior on August 8, 1934 the daughter of Margaret and Theodore Swang.

She married Glen Carlson on August 8, 1959 in Superior and they celebrated 51 years of marriage together until his death on November 8, 2010.

Mila had a home daycare for over 30 years. She helped raise many kids over the years and formed many lifelong friendships with the kids and their families. Prior to the daycare she had worked at the Co-op. She also worked at the Fairlawn Mansion and did homecare for Mrs. Helen Russell for many years.

She was a generous spirit who was always giving and dedicated herself to her charities. She had been an active member of the Blaine PTA and was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Auxiliary Aerie #80 since 1968, serving as the Treasurer for 25 years.

Mila enjoyed spending time at her lake home in Webb Lake. She was an excellent cook and was known for her famous potato salad. She enjoyed watching soap operas, especially Days of Our lives and the game show network. Most important to her was taking care of the whole family.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband.

Mila is survived by her three daughters, Vicki (Jeff) Anderson of Brainerd, Minn., Nancy (Dennis) Ross of Proctor, Minn. and Tammy (Dave) Anderson of Superior; grandchildren, Steven and Troy Anderson of Brainerd, Andy (Danielle) Hudacek of Superior, DJ (Stephanie) Ross of Superior, Jordan, Kailey and Noah Buhr and Jesse, Chase, Luc and Emily Anderson all of Superior; great-grandchildren Walker Hudacek , Sydney Plasch and one to be born in September; brother, Albert Swang of Oklahoma; sisters, Viola Mack of Foxboro and Gloria Bielke of Bloomington, Minn.; a special niece, Dianne James; and many special friends.

Her visitation will be on Thursday March 29th from 4-7 p.m. at Downs Funeral Home corner of 19th St. and Ogden Ave. Visitation will resume on Friday March 30th from 11 a.m. until the Noon funeral service at North Bay Community Church, 1316 E. 5th Street in Superior. Rev. Curt Vanderstelt will officiate. Interment with her husband will be in River Hill Cemetery in Dairyland Saturday March 31st at Noon.

Pallbearers will be Jeff Anderson, Dennis Ross, Dave Anderson, DJ Ross, Andy Hudacek, Troy Anderson and Noah Buhr.