Lou Ann Carlson Leland died at the Dammert Care Center in Belleville, Ill., on Monday, October 16, 2023, after a brief stay. She had lived for 35 years in O'Fallon, Ill., and was in failing health for a year. She was born in Fort Dodge, Iowa, on April 3, 1934, the daughter of Mary Rita and Louis Henry Carlson. Lou Ann grew up in Council Bluffs, Iowa, and graduated in 1952 from the former St. Francis High School in Council Bluffs, where she received many honors.

She retired from AT&T in 1987 after a 28-year career and continued her professional life for many years thereafter. She was employed for 9 years by the Chapter 13 bankruptcy trustee for southern Illinois, in Swansea, Ill., and then for another 9 years as a sales representative for McBride Homes, the largest homebuilder in the St. Louis metropolitan region.

Lou Ann's son, daughters, and husband were always her highest priorities. She had many friends in O'Fallon, Council Bluffs, and Washington Court House, Ohio, the hometown of her husband, John. In the final weeks of her life, she continued to flash her gentle smile and maintain her cheerful disposition.

Lou Ann Carlson Leland was preceded in death by her parents and brothers Edward Carlson, Robert Carlson, Richard Carlson, and Donald Carlson. Lou Ann is survived by her husband John Woodmansee Leland of O'Fallon, Ill., and her children Kevin Matthew Marr of Omaha, Neb.; Mary Rita Peterson of Norman, Okla.; and Jean Marie Miner (Tim) of Irvine, Calif.; grandchildren Nathan John Peterson (Kaley), Kansas City, Mo.; Nicholas Scott Peterson (Courtney), Norman, Okla.; Nolan Patrick Peterson (Raven), Norman, Okla.; William Miner, Irvine, Calif.; Caitlin Miner, Phoenix, Ariz., and five great-grandchildren. The family extends special thanks to Jai Smith, Lou Ann's devoted caregiver in the final months of her life.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 am, Tuesday, October 24, 2023 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, in Council Bluffs, Iowa, with burial at St. Joseph Cemetery in Council Bluffs. The visitation, to included reciting the Rosary, will be from 6 – 8 pm, Monday, October 23, 2023, at Cutler-O'Neill Funeral Home, Council Bluffs, Iowa.

Memorials may be made to BJC Hospice, 2220 S. State Route 157, Suite 300, Glen Carbon, IL 62034, or to the charity of the donor's choice. Sign the online guestbook and offer condolences at www.wfh-ofallon.com.