Edward Carlson

Edward Wayne Carlson, Sr., age 74, died peacefully, Monday, October 19, 2015, at Middle River Health Center, South Range, WI. Ed was born August 25, 1941, in Superior, WI, the second son of the late Ragner and Arnelia (Jensen) Carlson. He was raised in the Town of Blaine, Burnett Co., WI, and graduated from Webster High School. He also attended the University of Wisconsin-Superior, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. While attending UW-Superior, Ed met and married Sheila Bogan. They joined the Peace Corps, training in Hilo, Hawaii, and serving in Orissa, India. Ed and Sheila were married from 1963 to 1968. As a young man, Ed cut pulpwood with his brothers. He trapped, guided, and did carpentry with his father, worked as an auto mechanic during college, and was an expert in small engine repair. Construction and building maintenance were his main occupations. Ed and Sandra Anderson were married from 1974 to 1979. Their son, Edward Wayne Carlson, Jr. was born in 1975. He was the light of Ed’s life. Through all the joys and trials of his life, Ed never stopped dreaming, and those dreams kept him alive. Country music from Tennessee Ernie Ford, Conway Twitty, Johnny Cash, and Alan Jackson were on his playlist. He loved his Peace Corps experience in India, and the people he served there. He had always hoped to return there someday. Ed was a lifelong member of Zion Lutheran Church in Markville, MN, and his faith was strong and sure. He loved hunting and fishing. Autumn was his favorite season. His impish smile could light up a room.   Ed is preceded in death by his parents, Ragner and Arnelia Carlson; and brothers, Ralph Carlson and Jim Carlson. He is survived by his beloved son, Edward W. Carlson, Jr.; cherished grandchildren: Abria, Chaya, and Eliam, and their mother, Amanda; sister and brother-in-law, Robbie and Bob Warden; sister-in-law, Fran (Ralph) Carlson; nephews: Ryan (Lisa) Carlson, Eric (Kristin) Carlson, Brad (Shannon) Warden, Marc (Karen) Warden, and Scott (Billi Jo) Warden; and well as caring family and dear friends. Services honoring Ed Carlson will be held on Saturday, November 7, 2015. Interment of his cremated remains will be held first at 11:45am, at Hillcrest Cemetery in Blaine Township. A Celebration of Life will be at Zion Lutheran Church, Markville, MN, with visitation at 12:30pm and service at 1:00pm with Pastor Janeva Stromberg officiating. The organist is Annette Carlson; and honorary pallbearers are: Don Carlson, Ryan Carlson, Eric Carlson, Brad Warden, Marc Warden, and Scott Warden. A fellowship luncheon will follow the service. Arrangements have been entrusted with Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Webster, WI, 715-866-7131.