John Carlson

John Russell Carlson, 83, a resident of Fergus Falls, died Monday, January 17, 2011, his 83rd birthday, at Lake Region Hospital in Fergus Falls, Minnesota. He was born January 17, 1928, to Gerald and Hanna (Swanson) Carlson, in Minneapolis, MN. He was baptized and later confirmed at The Salem Covenant Church in Minneapolis, MN. Russell grew up in Northeast Minneapolis and attended Edison High School, graduating in 1946. Following graduation he attended the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis campus, and graduated in 1950. On Febuary 7th, 1948, he married Shirley Mae Joan Warholm at Shiloh Bethany Church in Northeast Minneapolis. They made their home in the Twin Cities area and raised their four children in a wonderful neighborhood in Brooklyn Center. Upon retirement they built a log home and relocated to Stalker Lake near Dalton, MN. In 1999 they moved from their lake home to their residence in Fergus Falls. Russell loved his family, dedicating his life to being a father, husband, grandfather, and loving son, and was a true friend to all who knew him. Russ, like Shirley, held their pets close to their hearts and enjoyed them throughout their lives. Russ enjoyed fishing, golfing, bowling, dancing, cards (cribbage), and doing wood crafts with his wife. He also liked to attend class reunions to visit with his classmates. Preceding him in death were his wife Shirley; parents Gerald and Hanna; brothers Douglas and Donald; sister-in-law, Alvina; and three nephews. Russell is survived by his four children: Jon (Kim) of Blaine, MN, Brian (Elizabeth Simonson) of Duluth, MN, Randy (Vera) of Fergus Falls, MN, and Lori (Scott) Prins of Stacy, MN; eleven grandchildren: Daniel, Jill (Steven) Buus, Christopher, Katja, Kaylee, Hanna, Anja, Sophie, Bradley, Peder, and Matthew; one great-grandchild, Marissa; his sister, Geraldine (Walter) Larson and sister-in-law Peggy (Dave) Jacobson; former daughter-in-law, Ann (Grabau) Carlson; nieces and nephews, and many other loving relatives and friends. We are saddened by his loss, yet rejoice that he is in his heavenly home. There will be a gathering of family and friends from 12-2 pm on Saturday, January 22, 2011, at the Olson Funeral Home Chapel in Fergus Falls with a memorial service at 2 pm. Reverend Stan Satre will officiate. An additional service will be held Friday, January 28th at 12:30 p.m. at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred. Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls is in charge of arrangements.