Mildred A. Carlson, 86, of Austin, died Wednesday, Aug. 22, 2012, at Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park, Minn.

Mildred was born May 7, 1926, on the family farm near Douglas, Minn., in Olmsted County. She graduated from high school in Rochester, Minn., and from Winona State College with a degree in education. Mildred was married to John W. Carlson. The Carlsons taught school in Harmony, Minn., before moving to Austin. Following her husband’s death in 1960, Mildred returned to teaching. For 26 years, she taught seventh grade social studies, English and history at Ellis Junior High School. Mildred was a member of the First United Methodist Church.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Clyde and Amelia Hoffman, and husband John.

Mildred is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Craig and Deb Carlson, Bloomington, Minn.; brother and sister-in-law, Wayne and Margaret Hoffman, Corpus Christi, Texas; their children Janet, Steve, Dave, Jon, Dan; two step-granddaughters and their families; and many cousins.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 27 at First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Marilee A. Benson officiating. Interment will be at Oakwood Cemetery, Rochester, Minn. Visitation will be held at the church for one hour before the service on Monday morning. Clasen-Jordan Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Mildred enjoyed the company of her pets and had a concern for any animal in need. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Mower County Humane Society, P.O. Box 877, Austin, MN 55912; or Last Hope, Inc., P. O. Box 114, Farmington, MN 55024, both are no-kill animal shelters. Mildred will be missed by friends, family and feline companion Mel.