Carla Jeane McNair

Carla Jeane McNair of Green Lake, Wis., and previously of Elk River, Minn. died peacefully at Markesan Resident Home on Saturday, June 10, 2023. 
 
She was born on May 8, 1929 in Duluth, Minn. to William and Alice Anderson. When Carla was 14, the Andersons moved to Minneapolis, where she graduated from Central High School in 1947. After graduating from nursing school in 1950, Carla worked at Minneapolis General Hospital. 

Carla met Dr. Murray McNair through his older sister Janet as they were in nursing school together. Murray and Carla were married in June 1951. In 1953, the couple moved to Elk River, Minn. where they raised their family while Murray practiced dentistry for 39 years. They made their last move to Green Lake, Wis. in 2019.

Carla was active in programs her children were involved in: Cub Scouts, Brownies, Girl Scouts and Sunday School. She also helped manage Murray’s dental office. In later years, Carla and Murray delivered Meals on Wheels, were active in Elk River Lutheran Church and served on the boards of the Guardian Angels Retirement Center and the Elk River Library, as well as on numerous church committees. Carla also enjoyed times with her friends, calling themselves “the sewing club.” 

Carla and Murray enjoyed the family’s cabin on Mille Lacs Lake, which they owned for 36 years. A timeshare on Ft. Myers Beach gave the McNairs a few weeks respite from the winter. They did some traveling but their trip to Norway seemed most special, connecting them with Murray’s heritage and family. Carla enjoyed reading, sewing, cooking and family. 

Carla is survived by son Dr. Douglas (Cecelia) McNair, Seattle; daughter Mary (Tim) Lyke, Green Lake, Wis.; daughter-in-law Mary McNair, Elk River, Minn.; grandchildren Adam and Andy (Kelsey) McNair, Dr. Andrea (Bryce) Aul, Laura and Chris Lyke; great grandson Cullen McNair. She was preceded in death by husband Murray McNair, son Tom McNair, and her parents. 
 
Carla said she’d like to be remembered as a good daughter, wife, mother, grandmother and friend. 

The family wishes to thank the kind, dedicated staff of Markesan Resident Home, and the great team at SSM Home Hospice. 

Visitation for Carla will be held from 1:00 until 2:00 pm on Monday, June 26, 2023 at Lakewood Cemetery in the chapel, 3600 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55408. 

A funeral service for Carla will be held at 2:00 pm on Monday, June 26, 2023 at the cemetery, with Rev. Jeffrey Dodson officiating. You may view a livestream of Carla’s service at 2:00 pm by visiting www.facebook.com/ButzinMarchant, or by clicking the link below. Interment will follow the service.  A memorial is being established in her name.