Kenneth O. Carlson

Services for Kenneth O. Carlson, 81, of Fairmont, MN, will be 11:30 a.m. Thursday, January 16, 2025, at Grace Lutheran Church in Fairmont. A private family burial will be held at a later date. Visitation will be one hour prior to the time of service from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Thursday, January 16, 2025, at Grace Lutheran Church in Fairmont. Ken passed away Sunday, January 12, 2025, at his home in Fairmont. Those who are unable to attend are invited to view the live stream by using the following link: https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/a25011840744225 The Lakeview Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Fairmont is assisting the family with arrangements.
Kenneth Owen Carlson was born November 25, 1943, in Trimont, MN, the son of Joseph and Viola (Cairns) Carlson. He grew up near Trimont and began his education attending country school. Ken later attended and graduated from Trimont High School. Following his graduation, Ken went on to further his education by attending Mankato State University and later the University of Minnesota. Ken also obtained his certificate as a Chartered Financial Consultant from America College.
On April 25, 1964, Ken was united in marriage to Gloria J. Anderson at St. James Lutheran Church in Northrop, MN. The couple made their home in Minneapolis and St. Louis Park before moving to Fairmont in 1977. Ken and Gloria were blessed with over 60 years of marriage and two sons, Jeff and Jay.
Ken worked for a short time for Goodyear and Cooper Tire in Minneapolis before beginning his career as an insurance agent with Prudential. Ken worked for Prudential for over 40 years, creating lasting relationships and friendships with many of his customers before retiring in 2017.
Community was a source of pride for Ken, and he found great joy in serving his community as a member of Fairmont Go, Exchange Club, and Fairmont Ambassadors. He enjoyed sports and in addition to coaching baseball for many years when his sons were young, Ken also was a member of the Fairmont Baseball Association and Fairmont Booster Club. When not busy coaching, Ken could be found at Interlaken Golf Course or Rose Lake Golf Course where he was a member of both clubs, trying his luck at lowering his handicap. He looked forward to nights out with his wife, Gloria, playing bridge, 500, and cribbage with other couples in card club. In his later years, Ken looked forward to the warm winters of Arizona and attending his grandchildren's events where he was their biggest fan!
Faith was a big part of Ken's life. He was a long-time member of Grace Lutheran Church in Fairmont and was former president of Grace Lutheran Church Council.
Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Gloria Carlson of Fairmont, MN; sons, Jeff (Melissa) Carlson of Champlin, MN, and Jay (Nicole) Carlson of Murfreesboro, TN; grandchildren, Alexis Carlson and fiancé, Ryan Osborn, Ellie Carlson and special friend, Hunter Thomas, Nick Carlson, and Luke Carlson; three brothers, John Carlson of Brandon, SD, Larry (Vicki) Carlson of Mankato, MN, and Joe (Diane) Carlson of Brainerd, MN; sister, Claryce (Roger) Haug of Waseca, MN; brother-in-law, Gail (Marge) Anderson of Dolliver, IA; sisters-in-law, Helen (Taso) Hatziliadis of Mukilteo, WA; Susan (Steve) Pettersen of Mankato, MN, and Karen (Ed) Wenzel of Truman, MN; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Ken was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Viola Carlson; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Elmer and Velma Anderson; and a sister-in-law, Sandi Carlson.
The family requests memorials be left in Ken's name to Grace Lutheran Church of Fairmont and Kinship.