William "Bill" Carlson

A memorial service for William “Bill” Carlson will take place on Sunday, August 20, 2023, at Tracy United Methodist Church at 3:00 p.m. A public visitation will be held on Saturday, August 19, 2023, from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at Tracy United Methodist Church with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue Sunday afternoon at the church from 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Burial, with Military Honors conducted by the Tracy American Legion Post #173, will take place at Tracy City Cemetery on Sunday following the memorial service. Upon conclusion of the graveside service, a light meal and fellowship time will be held at the church social hall.  To watch a recording of the service, paste this link into your browser:  https://youtu.be/71QABf4Jdvs

William “Bill” Carlson, 91-year-old resident of Tracy, died August 13, 2023, at Our House Hospice of Murray County.

William “Bill” Albert Carlson was born on December 2, 1931, in rural Kinbrae, to the late Emil and Anna (Busch) Carlson. Bill spent his early childhood in Kinbrae, until his family moved to a farm north of Tracy in 1940. He received his education from a country school north of Tracy, completing the 8th grade. William began farming with his father in Lyon and Redwood Counties until he was inducted into the Army in 1952. He proudly served until his honorable discharge in 1954.

While serving in the army, Bill had a letter correspondence with Marilyn Robinson. The couple fell in love and were united in marriage on August 20, 1957, in Garvin. They were blessed with five children, who were raised on the farm. While operating the farm, Bill also served the patrons at the Mediterranean Supper Club for thirty-one years.

Along with his passion for farming, Bill enjoyed hunting, handyman tasks, woodworking and taking trips with his family. He had a soft spot for animals, especially cats and dogs. He was a proud father and grandfather who cherished events and gatherings that included his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Bill was a member of Tracy United Methodist Church, Tracy American Legion Post #173 and the Tracy Lions Club.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 66 years, Marilyn Carlson; his children Carla VanDeWiele of Tracy, Susan (David) Sperstad of Little Falls, Michael (Darcy) Carlson of Garvin, James (Jennifer) Carlson of Waconia, and John (Jodi) Carlson of Tracy; grandchildren Angela (Terry) Gannon, Mariah (Russel) Ince, Andrew VanDeWiele, Kinbrae Sperstad, Greg (Kristina) and Paul (Ally) Carlson, Sam Willadsen, Jack and Emma Carlson, Daulton (fiancé Autumn Johnson), and Linkoln Carlson; seven great-grandchildren; nephews and nieces; and his many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Earnest, Raymond and Herb; and sisters Della and Irene.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Our House Hospice of Murray County or a charity of the donor’s choice.