Robert Carlson

Robert Oscar Carlson, 96, of Grand Forks, ND, passed away peacefully on October 17, 2018 at his home surrounded by his loving family.  Robert was born on June 5, 1922 on his family farm, rural Honeyford, ND, the son of Oscar and Anna (Benson) Carlson. He was baptized a few days later at his mother’s funeral. In 1924 Oscar married Mildred Lundgren. Robert attended rural Wheatfield School and graduated from Gilby High School.

Robert proudly enlisted in the Navy with the Seabees on March 30, 1944 and was honorably discharged on January 16, 1946.  Upon return, he started farming in Mekinock Township, ND with $1,400 and a GI loan. On April 16, 1950, he married Anna Eleanor Knutson at East Walle Lutheran Church near Thompson, ND.  They raised their family near Eldred, MN where they farmed and in later years did custom combining until 1990 at which time they moved to Grand Forks. Eleanor passed away on July 31, 2011. A few years later, Robert moved to Parkwood Senior Living Center in Grand Forks.

Robert was a member of Sand Hill Lutheran Church, actively serving in various positions on the church and parish council. Dearest to Robert’s heart was his role as Sunday School teacher. His passion to share God’s love and the importance of faith, with young and old alike, was a thread that was interwoven throughout his entire life. 

Robert served on various organizations including the Pathways Bible Camp Board, delegate to Oak Grove Lutheran School, President of the Neby Farmers’ Union Local, Eldred School Board, and was actively involved with the Valley 4000 Foundation. He was a proud WWII Veteran and treasured his trip on the Honor Flight at age of 90. He enjoyed traveling to visit family and friends. Especially memorable were the trips to the Holy Land and Sweden where he walked the soil of his family farm at the age of 76.   

Robert was a man who lived his faith. He found great joy in giving to others and visiting with family and friends. His greatest joy came from his role as a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather.

Robert is survived by his five children: Anne (Keith) Burke, Climax, MN, Nancy (Garry) Johnson, Columbia Heights, MN, Randy Carlson, Prairie Village, KS, Julie (Al) Paulson, Shevlin, MN, Jon (Jill) Carlson, Climax, MN. Ten grandchildren: Alyssa Burke (Patrick Crawford) and Christopher Burke, Lindsey (Lee) Sexton and Andrea (Clint) Agar, Andrew (Stacie) Carlson and Ben Carlson, Levi (Kelsey Wegner) and Erik Paulson, Evan (Elizabeth Edwards) and Claire Carlson. Five great grandchildren: Graci and Eastyn Burke, Roland Sexton, Parker and Sophie Agar.  Sisters Blanche Lukas and Shirley Belcher, sister-in-law Mildred Carlson, Doris Knutson, Loretta Knutson, many nieces and nephews and numerous friends and relatives.

Preceding his death were his wife, parents, step-mother, brothers Clifton, Arthur and his wife, Evelyn, sister Frances Stover, brother-in-law Len Lukas, Earl Stover, Vernon Belcher, Howard Knutson, Wilmar Knutson and special friend Dorothy (Dot) Burckhard and family.

Special thanks to the staff at Parkwood and Altru Hospice for their care and friendship.

A memorial service celebrating Robert’s life will be held at Sand Hill Lutheran Church on November 3, 2018 at 11:00 with visitation one hour prior to the service with Pastor Joy Grainger officiating. Visitation will be from 4:00-6:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 6:00 on November 2, 2018 at Amundson Funeral Home in Grand Forks, ND.