Ryan C. Carlson

Ryan Curtis Carlson, age 51, went to be with his Heavenly Father on July 16th. He had many titles and tasks on earth which were husband, father, son, brother, friend, coach, co-worker, nephew, cousin but most of all, he was an example of Christ. Matthew 25:21 “Well done good and faithful servant.”

Ryan exemplified every Fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” If you knew Ryan or even met him once, you saw many if not all these attributes. Ryan, in simple form, was a servant of Christ to everyone.

When Ryan was diagnosed with the rare cancer in September of 2023, his first communication to the community was, “The battle begins………. but I want to be clear that I know the War has already been won.” He knew that God is in control and Ryan never once complained about the battle that was given to him. He, instead, held on to his faith, family, friends, and community; and began the battle. He celebrated the wins and leaned into others with the losses for support.

Ryan has left an earthly void in so many hearts and places, but we are comforted knowing that he is now breathing the best air of heaven with no more coughing. Matthew 5:10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs in the kingdom of heaven.”

Ryan’s wife and 4 kids are better humans because of having Ryan/Dad in their lives for 29 years. We only desire to have had more earthly time with him, but we know and have peace and comfort knowing he is whole again. One of Ryan’s favorite verses in Philippians 1:21 “For me, to live is Christ, to die is gain.”

Ryan did not want his cancer diagnosis to define his life, and he had more than succeeded in that, so we believe he fought and he won his cancer battle as it never defined him.

Ryan is survived by his wife, Jill, and his 4 amazing children, Anika (25), Austin (22), Bridger (18) and Cierra (16). Other family members are his parents, Ron and Claudette Carlson, sister Jennifer (Jamie) Taylor and nieces Jalen and Teagan and nephew Braden, sister Joanna (Patrick) Hart and nieces Sofia and Norah. Ryan had many aunts, uncles and cousins who also loved him dearly. Ryan’s in-laws and their families also grieve as any family would.

Ryan was preceded in death by his paternal and maternal grandparents.

In lieu of flowers, Ryan would ask that you consider a donation in his name to one of his three organizations in which he loved and spent most of his time.

New Life Center  

Bethel E-free Benovolent Fund  

Park Christian School Athletic Club  

Visitation will be Tuesday, July 22, from 5:00 – 7:00 PM, in Wright Funeral Home, Moorhead, MN.

Celebration of life service will be Wednesday, July 23, at 2 PM, in Bethel Church, Fargo, ND.