Keith Wendell Carlson

Keith Wendell Carlson was born on June 20, 1950, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He was the son of Lloyd and Audrey (Goetke) Carlson. Keith was baptized as an infant on July 24, 1950, by Rev. Arthur Klemp at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Excelsior, Minnesota, and was later confirmed in his faith as a youth on March 22, 1964, by Rev. John Stehr at Trinity Lutheran Church in Waconia, Minnesota. He was a graduate of the Waconia High School Class of 1968. On November 27, 1971, Keith married the love of his life, Vickie Harms, by Rev. John Melchert at Zion Lutheran Church in Benton Township, rural Cologne, Minnesota. Keith and Vickie made their home in Hamburg, Minnesota, and shared over 41 years of marriage. Keith drove a bulk milk truck for Jim Hilgers & Sons in Waconia, Minnesota, later purchasing a route. In 1979, he worked for Lester's Incorporated in Lester Prairie, Minnesota, and in 1988, started driving with Manning Transfer Inc. in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Keith just celebrated 25 years of leasing with Manning Transfer, Inc. He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Benton Township, rural Cologne, Minnesota. Keith was known for his extreme cleanliness and attention to detail when it came to his vehicles. The "Pete" had to be washed top to bottom on his return home before Monday morning deliveries, including the roof… "You never know who might be looking out of those tall buildings." Enormous pride and professionalism in his equipment and his entire job were one of his strongest qualities. Keith's pride in his family was also apparent. The love he had for Vickie was always evident in his actions as well as in conversing with him. His five children and four grandchildren were absolutely the light of his life. When home, his only desire was to spend time with them. November brought great joy with the arrival of deer hunting season. Trips to Jerrod and Shelly's cabin/hunting land with the whole family meant the world to him, along with the annual deer-hunting trip to South Dakota. Keith fulfilled one of his dreams in the fall of 2010, by harvesting his first black bear. He also looked forward to the annual family vacation to Star Lake. Even though Keith didn't have much of a chance to fish, he loved walleye fishing and was often one to come back with more than the boys, which is saying something!!!!! We can't end this without touching on Keith's sense of humor. His way of talking to friends and family alike, giving them a "bad time" without hurting their feelings was remarkable. Everyone knew him for this and if he "didn't give you grief" and you couldn't take it – you weren't his friend. Keith passed away behind the wheel of his 2005 Peterbilt Model 379, one of his pride and joys. An apparent medical issue claimed his life, causing him to leave the road in a Las Vegas, Nevada dessert in the early morning hours of June 30, 2013. Blessed be his memory. Keith is survived by his: Loving Wife & Best Friend, Vickie Carlson of Hamburg, MN; Devoted Sons, Jerrod Carlson and his wife, Shelly, of Norwood Young America, MN, Jason Carlson of Hamburg, MN, Jeffrey Carlson and his wife, Cally, of Waconia, MN; Light of Papa's Life, his Grandchildren, Justin, Courtney, Brianna & Dylan; Sisters, Carol Carlson of Mayer, MN, Debbie Kadlec and her husband, Mike, of New Germany, MN; Brothers-In-Law & Sisters-In-Law, Don Harms and his wife, Sheila, of Norwood Young America, MN, Barb Lunow and her husband, Larry, of Watertown, MN, Mike Harms and his wife, Maryann, of Norwood Young America, MN; Many special nephews & nieces, their spouses and children, as well as other relatives, wonderful neighbors and special friends. Keith is preceded in death by his Parents, Lloyd and Audrey Carlson; Brother, Kenneth Carlson; Father-In-Law & Mother-In-Law, Clarence and Virginia Harms.