Beuna C. Carlson

After a remarkable life of nearly 100 years, Beuna Coburn “Bunny” Carlson died peacefully on June 17, 2025 at Porter Hills Village in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Beuna Carlson began life simply enough as a farm girl, but her talents and passions led her to wide-ranging travel, volunteer service, and devotion to family. She even became an acclaimed author at age 92.

Born in the small rural community of Plum City, Wisconsin, on January 23, 1926, to John and Marie Coburn, Beuna Coburn moved to Minnesota after high school.  She married Robert M. Carlson in 1950. The couple moved to Michigan, where they lived for nearly 75 years, primarily in Mount Clemens, raising two children.

The Carlsons were long-standing, active members of the First Presbyterian Church in Mount Clemens, where Beuna Carlson was Christian Education Director for many years. She also loved the arts, and was a charter member of The Anton Art Center in Mount Clemens. She volunteered there in many capacities and served twice on the center’s Board of Trustees. Additionally, Beuna Carlson was the first woman president of the Macomb County YMCA Board of Trustees. She was a charter member of Chapter DY of the P.E.O. Sisterhood, a group focused on promoting education for women.

An avid gardener and creative cook, Beuna’s interests were not confined to typical choices. She was a member of the Detroit Puppeteers Guild, the Michigan Basketmakers Association, and the New American Lyceum, where she occasionally lectured. Her interests took her beyond national borders as well. She and her husband loved to travel, especially internationally. Together they visited far-flung places including Iceland, Egypt, Easter Island, and Sri Lanka. The couple worked with Earth watch on research projects in several countries.

A crowning achievement for Beuna Carlson came late in her life.  This Wisconsin native with simple beginnings had long harbored the idea of writing a book about her childhood, chronicling the joys and struggles of growing up on a small farm. At age 92, Beuna Carlson fulfilled that dream. Her book “Farm Girl: a Wisconsin Memoir” was published by the University of Wisconsin Press in 2020.

Beuna Carlson is survived by her husband of nearly 75 years, daughter Margo Carlson (Eric) Berke, son Lee (Michele) Carlson, grandchildren Andrew (Allison) Berke, Adam (Rachel Weston) Berke, Alexis Berke (Mark Hutchins), Abigail Berke (Matthew) Parker, Graham (Meredith Morgan) Carlson, and Evan (Bailey Ferris) Carlson. Also surviving are six great-granddaughters: Anja, Adeline Berke; Emmalynn and Everlee Parker; Eliza Hutchins, and Eleanor Berke.

Arrangements are pending. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Emmanuel Hospice Grand Rapids, The Anton Art Center in Mount Clemens, or to a charity of choice.

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