Alfred Leroy Carlson

Alfred Leroy Carlson was born June 8, 1933 in Doland, South Dakota to Charles L. and Mildred R. (Shiek) Carlson, the youngest of ten children. Alfred quit school in the eighth grade to help his father on the farm, as he was the only remaining child at home. Alfred entered the United States army on May 5, 1953 where he served honorably until May 3, 1955. He received a hardship discharge because his mother became very ill during his time in the service. For his service Alfred received the Nation Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. Alfred met Marquita “Markie” Blaedorn, the love of his life, at a roller-skating rink. Alfred had been drafted during Markie’s senior year of high school and they wanted to get married before he left. Alfred insisted that Markie, at age seventeen, finish high school. Alfred and Markie eloped on December 23, 1954 in Webster, South Dakota. Alfred’s army buddy and his wife served as attendants. Markie continued to live with her parents until Alfred was discharged from the Army, when they began their life together. Their first home was a small trailer parked in the back yard of Markie’s parents. The city of Redfield kindly asked that they move the trailer to a more “suitable” location. During their remaining time in Redfield, their first son and daughter were born.

After leaving Redfield, they pulled their trailer to Wheaton, MN for a short period of time where Alfred drove truck for Markie’s uncle until he sold the business. The trailer and family moved to Chokio, MN where Alfred drove truck for Monson Trucking, and their second daughter was born. A short time later, the trailer and family moved back to Wheaton. When they discovered another child was on the way, they purchased their house in Wheaton in 1962. This child, Russ, was born on Alfred’s birthday; Alfred always said it was the most expensive birthday present he ever received. One more child completed their family of five children. Alfred drove truck for over fifty-two years with Jacobson’s Transport before retiring. Alfred continued driving truck for the Wheaton-Dumont Elevator and local farmers.

Alfred and Markie loved to Square Dance. Alfred’s shirt always matched Markie’s dress while out dancing. Many times, the kids would get to tag along to watch and even participate. Later in life, Alfred and Markie spent many hours playing bingo. Markie always said to her kids, when going to play bingo, “We are going to spend your inheritance.”

Alfred and Markie also enjoyed traveling on their own and with tour groups. The couple saved every bi-centennial quarter they came across to help pay off their 50th Anniversary trip to Hawaii. They were members of the First Presbyterian Church in Wheaton. Alfred passed away Monday, February 5, 2024 at St. Catherines Living Center in Wahpeton.

Alfred is survived by his children: Patrick (Jenny) Carlson; Debra and the late Roger Jacobs and their children, Shane (Nefize), Justin (Becky), Cory (Annie), and Brett (Kristin); Tammy (Larry) Henman and children Meghan (Scott), Laine (Kayla), and Halley (Jason); Russ Carlson (Rick Henderson) and children Alex and Andrew (Susan); Stephanie (Jim) Cornelius and children Alicia, Jordan (Haley), Gena, and Corbin; and twenty great-grandchildren.

Alfred was preceded in death by the love of his life Markie, his parents, nine siblings, one granddaughter; and one son-in-law Roger Jacobs.

Funeral Services will be held Saturday, February 10, 2024 at 11:30 a.m. at the Bainbridge Funeral Home in Wheaton with Rev. Pat Schubert officiating. Military Rites will be provided by the Merton Dale American Legion Post #80 following the service. Visitation will be held one hour prior to service time at the funeral home. Burial will be in Wildwood Cemetery, Wheaton.