James "Jim" Carlson

James Kurt Carlson, known to those close to him as Jim "Eller", passed away unexpectedly at Abbot Northwestern in Minneapolis, Minnesota, surrounded by loved ones.

Jim was born on May 27, 1964, to Curt and Sandra (Mathiesen) Carlson. He grew up in Milnor, North Dakota, where his love of golf began. Jim was a proud member of the 1982 state champion sand green golf tournament team. After graduating from Milnor High School, he attended North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS).

Jim married the love of his life, Casey Peterson, in 2006 in Las Vegas. Together, they spent 24 wonderful years side by side, creating countless cherished memories.

Jim's journey took him from Colorado to Rapid City, South Dakota, where he worked as an assistant golf professional. He later completed the training necessary to become a PGA Professional, and in February 2019, he became part of the Quarter Century Club with the PGA. Jim served as the Head Golf Professional at the Benson Golf Club in Benson, Minnesota and Head Golf Professional, Director of Golf at Blueberry Pines in Menahga, Minnesota, and Minnesota National Golf Course, McGregor, Minnesota. He eventually settled at Purple Hawk Country Club in Cambridge, Minnesota.

As an enthusiastic mentor, Jim loved to encourage his niece and nephews to pursue the game of golf as well, often gifting them their first set of golf clubs to help them get started. In addition to his love for golf, Jim was a devoted Minnesota Vikings fan. His admiration for his favorite player, Carl Eller, earned him the nickname "Eller."

Jim is survived by his loving wife, Casey Carlson of Isanti, Minnesota; his mother Sandra Carlson-Hanson of Milnor, North Dakota; his sister Tammy (James) Martinson of Milnor, North Dakota; his niece and nephews: Justine (Luke) Gibbon of Kindred, North Dakota, Trevor (Rebecca) Martinson of Wilton, North Dakota, and Tanner (Kelsy) of Milnor, North Dakota; his half-sister Lynda (Jake) Stewart of Bismarck, North Dakota; his nephew Brandon (Hailee) Enders and niece Ayla Stewart both of Bismarck, North Dakota. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Brandy (Danny) Lameer of Neshkoro, Wisconsin; sister-in-law Nikki Peterson of Berlin, Wisconsin; his brother-in-law Corey Peterson of Wautoma, Wisconsin; his father-in-law and best friend Dale (Fritz) Peterson of Princeton, Wisconsin; He was adored by many nieces and nephews: Cheyenne, Katlyn (Parker), Bailee, Kobe, Marcus, Brody, Logan, Aubrey, Trevor, Jordan, Tucker, Jayden, and Tatum all of Wisconsin; his aunt Judy Wanek; and his uncle Dennis Carlson. Jim will be fondly remembered by many cousins, friends, and golf buddies.

Jim is preceded in death by his father Curt Carlson, his brother Randy Carlson, his mother-in-law Brenda (Griggs) Peterson, and his grandparents: Clifford and Viola (Nelson) Carlson, Herbert Mathiesen, and Ella (Granlund) Wallevand.

May Jim rest in the Lord's everlasting eternal peace.

The funeral service will be held on Friday, August 15, 2025 at 2:30 p.m. at Milnor Lutheran Church in Milnor, with visitation held one hour prior. Burial will follow at Immanuel Cemetery near DeLamere. Jim's service will be live streamed below.

The family requests those in attendance to please honor Jim by wearing casual dress or golf attire.