John M. Carter

A Funeral Service for John M. Carter of Roseau, MN will be held on Monday, January 12, 2026 at 11:00AM at Messiah Lutheran Church. Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 11, 2026 from 5-7PM with a prayer service at 7PM at Messiah Lutheran Church in Roseau, MN. Interment will take place at Mickinock Cemetery in Wannaska, MN.

John Merwin Carter, age 81, of Roseau, Minnesota, passed away on January 7, 2026, surrounded by his family. He lived a life defined by service, quiet generosity, sharp wit, and a deep commitment to family and community.

Born on June 5, 1944, in Bloomington, Illinois, John entered the world alongside his twin brother James. After their mother Annabelle Lewis' death when the boys were 13, they moved to Minnesota to live with Annabelle's sister Georgia and her husband Bob Carter. He later attended Orono High School, where he first met Eileen Diesen.

Following high school, John attended Bemidji State University and later continued his education at Gonzaga Law School. During those years, his relationship with Eileen deepened, and the two were married on August 13, 1966. After law school, they moved directly to Roseau, a community that quickly became home.

In Roseau, John joined the law practice where his father also worked. In 1971, they left that practice to open Carter and Carter Law at the old Citizens State Bank location. Over the next four decades, John practiced law with various partners, and at times on his own, serving the community until his retirement in 2016. As an attorney, John was especially committed to advocating for vulnerable young children, serving as a guardian ad litem and ensuring their voices were heard in difficult circumstances. He also believed strongly in access to justice, volunteering his time at the county courthouse to provide free legal guidance to individuals who came in with questions.

Almost immediately upon settling in Roseau, John became deeply involved in the community, especially through hockey. He helped organize the Saturday Morning League with Carson Hedlund and was instrumental in supporting hockey for all ages, including his leadership with the Roseau Leafs organization. Decades were spent volunteering at the rink, running the clock or working the penalty box at countless games. A familiar presence to generations of players, he was known for offering Dots candy to those sent to the penalty box, often after saying, "We need to keep an honest book so I have to ask, did you do it?" Hockey was not just something John volunteered for. It was something he believed in as a way to build people and community.

That commitment extended far beyond Roseau. Through Minnesota Hockey, he served as a District 16 Director, Region Vice President, and Adult Director, later holding the title of Director Emeritus. At the national level, he served on the USA Hockey Adult Council. His approach to the sport was steady, fair, and grounded in the belief that hockey should be welcoming and meaningful at every level.

Service was a constant theme throughout John's life. He was an active member of the Jaycees from the time he arrived in Roseau, receiving numerous state and national awards along the way. He later served as President of the Bemidji State University Alumni Association. Alongside Eileen, John was a longtime member of Messiah Lutheran Church, where he served a term on the church council. In more recent years, they volunteered together delivering Meals on Wheels.

Summers often found him on the softball field, serving as an umpire across multiple leagues. Away from organized activities, John was a devoted reader, a Civil War and World War II history buff, and an unapologetic channel changer. Sarcasm was one of his favorite tools, used equally for humor and affection. He was famously stubborn, quietly generous, deeply proud of his family, and made sure everyone had their hug for the day. He wore the title of lovable curmudgeon well.

Certain phrases became part of everyday life with John. "Life is good, but you've gotta work at it." "I like it when a plan comes together," and "Moving right along…" His grading system famously topped out at "C+," which he delivered with a smirk, noting it was "above average." Whether shared over morning coffee or offered in passing, those familiar words will be missed as much as the man who said them.

John was preceded in death by his mother Annabelle (Richardson) Lewis; his adoptive parents Bob and Georgia Carter; his stepmother Gertie Carter; and his twin brother James Lewis.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Eileen; his son Jason and grandchildren Caden, Ashton, and Breelyn; his daughter Marnie (Mark) Schuschke and grandchildren Zak and Porter; his stepbrothers Steve (Barb) Hetteen, Mike (Janet) Hetteen, and Donavon (Chris) Hetteen; his brother-in-law Jerry Diesen; his special niece and nephew Cheryl and Dave Young; his "bonus son" Jayson Tveit; and countless other cherished friends and loved ones.