Jay W. Carlson

Jay W. Carlson, age 81, died unexpectedly on Wednesday, November 21, 2018 at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, ND.

Jay was born in Greenbush, MN on January 9, 1937 to Julius Carlson and Blanche Bengtson Carlson. He was raised in Karlstad, MN where he graduated from Karlstad High School in 1955.

On November 30, 1957 Jay married JoAnn LaBine at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Argyle, MN. They lived in Karlstad, MN for a number of years where Jay worked with his father and brother in their family business.

In 1966 the family moved to Grand Forks, ND where Jay worked in the real estate and homebuilding business until his retirement in 1988.

Until the time of his death, Jay enjoyed spending time with his horses on his hobby farm, collecting and restoring vintage carriages and sleighs, and attending horse driving shows throughout the Midwest. He loved his weekly routine of bringing coffee to his son and grandsons when visiting their building sites to offer his wisdom and advice. Like many in the Grand Forks area he faithfully followed the Minnesota Vikings enduring perpetual disappointment.

Jay was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Jual; and his son, Joseph.

He is survived by his wife, JoAnn; son, Jed (Jennifer) Carlson; and daughters, Joy (Bruce) McCardle,  Jody (Mark) Nelson, and Jackie (Grant) Shaft; his daughter-in-law, Kerri Hjelmstad; eleven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Jay is also survived by his four sisters, Joan Dagen, Arlene Bertilrud, Marge (Bob) Anderson and Ruth Anderson.

Jay was a dedicated husband, father and grandfather who was much loved and will be greatly missed.

Visitation will be Monday, November 26, 2018 from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Grand Forks, ND with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 10:30 a.m.