Charles John Carlson

Charles (Chuck) John Carlson was born in Lake City, MN to parents Bernard and Mary Carlson on June 4, 1929. He grew up on the same couple blocks with grandparents and relatives along with his two older sisters, Ann and Violet. He loved to share many stories about his adventures fishing with his friends and cousins. 

 Charles attended elementary and high school in Lake City and learned to play the Clarinet, which started his love for big band and jazz music from the 1940s. He was confirmed with a group of six in First Lutheran Church in Lake City where Pastor Stone preached before becoming a pastor at Redeemer Lutheran in Fridley, MN. 

 He attended Gustavus Adolphus college where he graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry. While there he enjoyed playing golf and was a member of the golf team.

 Charles served his country in post World War II and was stationed in Germany and Austria. There he worked on radio equipment.

 After his time in the Army, he attended the university of Minnesota, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering. Upon graduation he got a job working on airplane avionics at Honeywell where he worked until his retirement. 

 In 1957 Chuck met his beloved wife, Marion Dahlman, through mutual friends Janet and Bob Lindeen. They fell in love and married on Valentine’s Day after two years of dating. They moved to an apartment near the University of Minnesota before purchasing their own home in 1960 in Fridley, MN. There they raised their family of two sons, Craig and Kent.

 When Chuck first became a grandpa in 1989 with the birth of his first grandchild, he quickly and happily stepped into the role. He loved and cared for all six of his grandchildren. He enjoyed having them over for sleepovers, celebrating birthdays and holidays, and attended many school events. 

 One of Chuck’s greatest passions, next to his involvement with his church, was gardening. He was a member of the Garden Club of Minneapolis where he was the newsletter editor and a member for 35 years, and the North American Rock Garden Society. He and Marion would go on garden tours and even had tours of his own garden. He had a special knack for growing all sorts of plants, Coleus, and flowers, and in the rock garden he especially loved succulents. He also enjoyed taking pictures, fishing, genealogy, and experimenting with his own recipes. 

 Chuck passed away surrounded by loved ones at the age of 95 years. He is preceded in death by his wife Marion Carlson, parents Bernard and Mary Carlson, and sisters Ann Thompson and Violet Henwood. He is survived by sons Craig (Leslie) Carlson, Kent (Marcy) Carlson; six grandchildren and significant others; many nieces and nephews; cousin Carl Jackson.