Glenn A. Carlson

A date has been set for Glenn's services: please see below for details.

Glenn Carlson, 81, of Stephen, MN, died on Monday morning, November 30, 2020, in Essentia Health, Fargo, ND, from complications due to Covid-19.

Glenn was born on May 13, 1939, in Argyle, the son of Henry and Anna (Heddan) Carlson. His childhood was spent on the family farm in Argyle, though he often told how brief it was. At the age of ten, Glenn did a “man's work” with the adults in the flood of '50, lifting the livestock up into the barn. He went to the local public school and later attended the Northwest School of Agriculture in Crookston, MN. On July 26, 1958, Glenn was married to Marilyn Hanson, whom he had met at church. The two would live out their entire married lives in Stephen, and raise six children.

Glenn's working life was spent digging in God's good earth. He started as a heavy equipment operator with Stephen Excavation in 1964; later working for Art Laudal and Sons, from which he retired. Glenn was also a substitute school bus driver.

In addition to being a father and provider to his family, Glenn was also a great friend. He was the last living member of the “Three Musketeers” with Harlan Thorlacius, and Ray Kuznia. He belonged to the Hometown Museum in Stephen, the Marshall County Historical Society, and the Western Minnesota Steam Threshers Reunion in Rollag, MN. One of Glenn's great passions was restoring classic John Deere tractors with his brother-in-law, Bill Hanson, and he was a proud participant in the Lake Agassiz Two-Cylinder Club. In 2004, Glenn and Marilyn were blessed to visit his Heddan relatives in Norway. Glenn's all time favorite coincidence (and great joy) in his life is that he shares his birthday with three of his family members: his brother, Curtis; son, Jim; and grandson, Ben.

But more important than all of this is Glenn's greatest pride: his sobriety, which he began on June 7, 1972. Glenn gave his life to God in 1996, and we have great Christian hope that he is now with his Lord and Savior.

Glenn is survived by his wife of 62 years, Marilyn; children, Douglas (Kathy) of Alvarado, MN, James of Badger, MN, Renae (Tom) Pauly of Zimmerman, MN, Lenae “Gi” (Steve) Addabbo of Elko New Market, MN, Lori (Blaine) Estad, and Heidi (Richard) Dumas both of Grafton, ND; brother, Curtis (Donna) Carlson; sister, Marlys (Robert) Kennedy of Manvel, ND; 13 grandchildren, Jessica, Nathan, Kira, Benjamin, Jenna, Ryan, Kelsi, Austin, JT, Meredith, Madeline, Maxwell, and Jackie; and three great-grandchildren, Brooks, Jack, and Henry.

He was preceded in death by his parents; in-laws, Arthur and Edith Hanson; and brother-in-law, William “Bill” Hanson.

Memorials may be directed to the Shriners Children's Hospital or a Local Charity of your choosing.
MEMORIAL SERVICE: Thursday, June 24, 2021, at 10:30 AM, in Our Savior's Free Lutheran Church, Argyle, MN.
INTERMENT: North Bigwoods Cemetery, rural Argyle, MN.