Helen M. Carlson, age 87, passed away peacefully Thursday, March 20, 2014. Born in Dayton, of good German stock to Konrad and Ella (Bernhard) George, Helen was raised in a traditional family home where the women cooked and managed the household and the men worked, and of course, drank beer. Known as Bean Soup by her dad’s friends, she often accompanied him and while he enjoyed a beverage, she ate bean soup. Helen graduated from Patterson Co-Op High School and attended Ohio University for her freshman year. She went to work as a switch board operator at the National Cash Register Co. As women often did, to support WW II service personnel, she volunteered at the USO at Wright Patterson. There she met a handsome U.S. Army Corporal, Carl M. Carlson, Jr. He won her heart and the blessings of her two older brothers, August George (Ann) and Alfred George (Mary). They were married for 56 years at his passing in 2005. Carrying on the family tradition, Helen was a fabulous cook and caregiver. She raised two wonderful children, Christine A. Elrod of Kettering and Carl “Marty” Carlson, III, (Kathleen) of Oakwood. Throughout their years together, they enjoyed polka dances at the Polish Club and Liederkranz, and traveling for trapshooting events and baton competitions with their children. They were also long-time members of St. Paul Lutheran Church and in later years Faith Lutheran Church in Belmont. Area pipe smokers might remember her working behind the counter of their family business, Bob White Cigar and Pipe Shop first located in downtown Dayton and later in Oakwood. Helen was a proud and beloved grandmother by her grandkids’ accounts, Anna Elrod, Ken Elrod and April Carlson, she was a cherished great grandmother, known as Oma, by Quinten Carl Elrod and Charlie Ann Elrod. Visitation will be from 10:30 to 11:30 am on Saturday, March 29, 2014 at Schlientz & Moore Funeral Home at 1632 Wayne Avenue, 45410, followed by a memorial service at 11:30 am. In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to Wee Care Arts, 3035 Wilmington Pike, Dayton, 45429.