Gary Leroy Carlson DDS

Gary Leroy Carlson, D.D.S., M.S. Feb 28, 1938 - Nov 30, 2025

Carlson, Gary L. DDS, MSD. Age 87 of Chanhassen, MN. Born February 28, 1938 in Fargo, ND. Raised in Fargo, ND; Clinton, MN, and Hayti, MO. Passed away November 30, 2025. Preceded in death by wife, Joan A. Carlson; son, Timothy J. Carlson of Eden Prairie, MN; parents Raymond and Grace Carlson and brother, Dennis R. Carlson of Anoka, MN. Survived by daughter, Maren Combs (Tom Ryan); grandsons Lucas Combs and Rayce Carlson; sister Cheryl Casper (Jack Casper). Gary graduated from Clinton High School 1956 and Concordia College, Moorhead, MN 1960, where he met his wife. He completed Dental School in 1964 and Graduate School at the University of Minnesota in 1966. He was an Orthodontist in the Minnetonka and Forest Lake, MN areas from 1966-2013 and HealthPartners from 2014-2018. He was founder and CEO of DentiGrafix LLC, a digital dental instrument development company. His passion was in Orthodontics and his life was dedicated to making improvements in occlusal treatments for the Dental Profession. Gary was a member of many professional and community organizations. He was Past President of Wayzata Country Club. He was past member and Past President of Westwood Lutheran Church and a recent member of Mount Olivet Lutheran Church, West Campus. He was a sports enthusiast, especially basketball and football, which he played in college and coached afterward. Also, he was an avid golfer. He was a Christian with strong faith. Most of all Gary was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend to so many in the community. He was extremely thankful for his medical staff and memorials preferred to HealthPartners Frauenshuh Cancer Center. In accordance with his wishes, he was cremated, and a Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date when the weather allows safe travel for family and friends. Washburn McReavy.com Edina Chapel 952-920-3996.