Nancy Jo Carlson Lehr

If you have ever met Nancy you would know how brightly she projected Christ from her very own heart and through her smile. Her positivity was the best form of contagion. It is not even enough to say she was kind, generous and inclusive. There was “always enough to share” in our household, and she never forgot to invite someone to dinner who didn’t have a family close by. Baking and distributing her famous rum cakes was one the messages of love from our mom. From mail carriers, to bus drivers, to family and friends—if you received a rum cake from Nancy Jo, you know you were special to her. Her work ethic was unparalleled, and she provided an excellent role model for her children, as well as her grandchildren. Every day she would thank God for being able to move about and get things done. Some would call her a “stubborn Swede”, but that was part of her strength through difficult times. We are most grateful for the joy that Nancy (Mee Mee) spread far and wide. Thank you to family and friends for your blanket of comforting prayers. “Tack so myket for din vanskad och varme.” (Swedish for thanks so much for your friendship and warmth (love).) Our mom dearly loved her family and any time spent with them. She was so proud of all, including her dear sister Jane Carlson Warden; Children Charlotte Joy (with whom she is now reunited); Charmin (Chad) McCracken; Scott (Toni) Lehr; and Leana Lehr (Kevin) Schlueter. Grandchildren Josh McCracken; JD (Jessica) McCracken; Linda Lehr; Charlotte (Josh) Clark; Cameron (Audrey Revercomb) Schlueter; and Lydia Schlueter. She was blessed with nine great grandchildren and many, many nieces and nephews. A celebration of Nancy Jo will take place on Thursday, July 11, 2024, 1:00pm - 4:00pm, in the garden of the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, 305 Sixth Street, Traverse City. Contributions in Nancy’s memory can be made to: Cherryland Humane Society 1750 Alberg Road Traverse City, MI, 49696 or to your local food pantry. Mom died in Statesville, North Carolina after a life filled with joy, laughter and singing. We leave you with the Swedish phrase we’ve heard and used with “Momma Jo” all our lives — “Sova Gott”, and LAGB — Good Night, and Love And God Bless.

Nancy Jo Carlson Lehr

March 22, 1936 - June 5, 2024