Doris L. Carlson

Doris L. Carlson, 92, passed away on July 24, 2025, in Fort Wayne, IN. She was born March 3, 1933 in Ackworth, IA to parents Earl and Mae Taylor. She began her education in Ackworth, IA and attended high school in Leonard, ND and graduated in Rochester, MN. Doris enrolled in the University of Minnesota. She met the love of her life, John P. Carlson, while she tutored him in Zoology. They were married on June 29, 1952 in Rochester, MN. The first of their many moves was to Harlingen, TX. Their love encompassed 72 wonderful years. They were blessed with six children. In May 1959, while living in Wheaton, MN, she was initiated into P.E.O., a Philanthropic Educational Organization for women.Doris sought out local P.E.O. chapters as the family moved to Wisconsin, Newark, OH, and Fort Wayne, IN. During her service to P.E.O. she held all local offices and served on many committees. She served as the Ohio State Chairman for the P.E.O. Scholar Awards Project 1991-1993. She continually recruited candidates for P.E.O. scholarships throughout her life. Her warm smile and enthusiasm encouraged many women. Doris apprenticed under master piano teacher, Eleanor Meslow while living in Chippewa Falls, WI. She had a special love and gift for music and shared it through teaching piano. Her passion led her to teach privately for over 29 years. Early Childhood Music Education was part of her teaching for 16 years. Her professional affiliations included the Wisconsin Music Teachers Association, Ohio Music Teachers Association, National Piano Teachers Guild, and the Sigma Alpha Iota national music fraternity. Doris' childhood faith was Quaker. She was a long time member of 2nd Presbyterian Church, Newark, OH and a member of First Wayne Street United Methodist Church, Fort Wayne, IN. In her spare time, she enjoyed reading, sewing, collecting copper molds, bird watching, and traveling. Most of all she enjoyed her six children and their families. Doris was preceded in death by her parents, H. Earl Taylor and Mae Ellen (Chumbley) Taylor Conklin; husband, John P. Carlson, Sr.; her brothers, James Earl Taylor and Richard Arthur Taylor; and grandson, Kevin Ash. Doris is survived by her children, John P. Jr (Janet), Timothy T. (Kathleen), Joy L. (Scott) Dice, Daniel P. (Debora), Candace A. and Mark A. (Darcy); 14 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren; and special friend, Paula Richey. Doris is remembered in life stories and with love by nieces, nephews, numerous piano students and friends. Her warm smile and kind personality will be missed. A memorial service will be held at 4:00 pm on Friday, September 12, 2025 at First Wayne Street United Methodist Church, 300 East Wayne Street, Fort Wayne, IN 46802. Visitation to follow the service. Donations may be made in her name to P.E.O. International PCE at P.E.O., Attn: Rachel, 3700 Grand Ave., Des Moines, IA 50312 or to Dawes Arboretum, 7770 Jacksontown Rd., Newark, OH 43056.