Deborah Anne Carlson, age 56, died peacefully and gracefully with her family by her side October 10, 2010. Deb was born September 12, 1954 in Milwaukee. She graduated from New Berlin Eisenhower High School and received degrees in Art and Education from UW-Madison. Deb taught art in the Sauk Prairie schools. Her passion for art and teaching inspired many people and impacted many students throughout her life. Deb was very involved within the Sauk Prairie community. She was instrumental in the foundation of Today's Women, the art gallery at the Sauk Prairie River Arts Center, and the Sauk Prairie Middle School Art Club. She was a driving force for the establishment of the Labor Day Art Fair, the annual Earth Day celebration, and the Wisconsin State Cow Chip Throw. In addition to her passion for art, Deb was an avid cook and gardener, spending many hours in her herb and flower gardens.




Deb is preceded by her second parents Douglas and Shirley Carlson and her grandfather Anthony Klanchar. Deb is survived by her husband Dale Carlson, children Dustin (wife Jennifer), Daniel (wife Emily), and Dean Carlson, parents John and Sharon Kumprey, sister Jeanine Kumprey, brother Robert Kumprey, and grandmother Frances Klanchar.


A visitation will be held by the family at Hooverson Funeral Home, 251 Water Street, Sauk City, on Friday, October 15 from 3-6pm. A service will follow at 6pm.


A scholarship for aspiring artists has been established in Deb's honor. Contributions may be directed to the Deborah Carlson Art Scholarship c/o Sauk Prairie Foundation for Academic Excellence, Sauk Prairie High School, 105 9th Street, Prairie du Sac, (608)-643-5900.