J. Paul Carlson M.D.

Dr. J. Paul Carlson died at home in the company of his family on August 3, 2024, now free from Parkinson's and lung cancer.
J. Paul was born to medical missionaries in Chongqing, China on July 10, 1944. He grew up in Newman Grove, NE and graduated from Gustavus Adolphus College and the University of MN Medical School. He practiced oncology and hematology at Park Nicollet Clinic and served as Medical Director of Methodist Hospice. He was active at Augustana Lutheran Church in Minneapolis.
J. Paul's 56-year marriage to his wife Anne is a model of mutual sacrifice and caring devotion. He was an extraordinary dad and grandpa, and a compassionate, patient-centered physician. He cultivated an authentic faith and moored his life in simplicity, generosity and love for all people.
"Babbo", as his family knew him, could build just about anything with wood. He often arrived places by bicycle, with his pant leg tucked into his sock to keep it out of the chain. He cherished trips to Lanesboro and Grand Marais with family. He loved doing high dives into the lake, making big pots of stew, walking in the woods and singing with the Apollo Male Chorus. On long bike rides he would take his hands off the handlebars and stretch out his arms, singing Louis Armstrong's "What a Wonderful World." The world is more wonderful for having had J. Paul in it.
Preceded in death by parents Emery and Elvera Carlson, sister Erleen, mother and father-in-law, Marta and Bill Berg, and sister-in-law Marcia Conrad. Survived by wife Anne (Berg) Carlson, children Jon (Mari), Jeff (Monica Mesa) and Katie Schoeppner (Matt) and grandchildren Emery Carlson, Maya and Hannah Carlson, and Beck and Ebba Schoeppner; siblings, Faith Carlson and Mark Carlson (Barbara).
Visitation 5-8pm Wednesday August 14th at Washburn McReavy Edina Chapel, 5000 West 50th Street, Edina. Memorial Service 11am Thursday August 15th with visitation beginning at 10am at Hope Community Church East (formerly Augustana Lutheran), 704 11th Avenue South, Minneapolis, 55415. Private interment Lakewood Cemetery. Donations in J. Paul's memory may be made to Augustana Lutheran Church, Community Emergency Service, or Park Nicollet Foundation. www.washburn-mcreavy.com
Edina Chapel 952-920-3996