Carl Lokken

Watch Carl's Memorial Service here

Carl Olaf "Carlie" Lokken, age 81, of Lake Maud in Detroit Lakes, MN, passed away on Friday, August 8, 2025, at Viking Manor Nursing Home in Ulen, MN.

Carlie was born on June 17, 1944, at St. Ansgar Hospital in Moorhead, MN, the first child of Walter and Pearl (Wicker) Lokken. Six years later, his younger brother, Dan, joined the family. The two brothers grew up in Ulen, where Carlie enjoyed swimming down by the river, golfing in Hawley (often hitchhiking to the course), and serving as the student manager of the football team since he was, as he'd often joke, "a little too small to play." Carlie graduated from Ulen High School with the class of 1962. While in high school, he met the love of his life, Caroline Buhaug and they were united in marriage on August 16, 1963. The couple spent a short time living in Seattle, WA, where their first daughter, Deanna, was born. Soon after, they returned to Ulen, where Carlie purchased the Champlin Station. Their family grew once more with the arrival of their second daughter, Denelle. After selling the station, Carlie worked a variety of jobs before joining UPS in 1967. In 1978, he began carpentry work and discovered his true craft. He later specialized in staining and varnishing for new homes until his retirement in 2008.

Carlie had many hobbies and passions. He loved both playing and watching golf and cheering for the Minnesota Vikings. He followed NASCAR and as an avid fan, he sometimes traveled with friends to see races in Las Vegas. In 1991, the family purchased a cabin on Lake Maud, which Carlie remodeled in time for the 1992 fishing opener. Although he wasn't much for fishing or swimming, unless waterskiing in his red shorts or accidentally falling in fully clothed, the lake truly became the heart of family life.

Over the years, he enjoyed carving turkeys at the annual Ulen Turkey BBQ, attending car shows, and cruising in his 1968 Buick LeSabre convertible. Most of all, he cherished time with his grandchildren and, later, great-grandchildren. Whether at the lake, at sporting events, musical concerts, or other activities, he loved watching them grow.

After retiring, Carlie and Caroline made Lake Maud their permanent home. His happy hour shifted from the Nordic in Ulen to Randy's on Lake Eunice, where he could often be found visiting with friends with an Old Milwaukee Red in hand. Carlie will be remembered for his quick wit, craftsmanship, devotion to family, and the countless memories made in Ulen and at the lake.

He is survived by his loving wife of nearly 62 years, Caroline, daughters, Deanna (Randy) Zimmerman and Denelle (Jamie Braseth) Wibe; grandchildren: Cris (Samantha) Zimmerman, Kaylee (Michael) Lapp, Amber (Blaine) Borgen, Cody (Megan Norgaard) Zimmerman, and Adam (Allison) Wibe; and great-grandchildren: Conner, Sawyer, Caleb, Carson, Justin, Aden, Liam, Jack, and Gracie; brother Dan (Lynne) Lokken, Fargo, ND; brothers and sister-in-law: Gerald (Kathy) Buhaug, John (Lori) Buhaug, Karl (Kim) Buhaug, and Kristi (David) Wolf.

He was preceded in death by his parents Walter and Pearl; father-in-law and mother-in-law George and Gladys Buhaug; sister and brother-in-law: Sandra Perkins and Mark Buhaug.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, August 18, 2025 at 11:00a.m., with a time of gathering starting one hour before, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Ulen. Burial will take place at Calvary Lutheran Cemetery in Ulen.

Memorials preferred to Calvary Lutheran Cemetery or Bethlehem Lutheran Cemetery.