Eldon Carlson

Eldon "Eldy" Carlson, age 87, of Willmar, died Sunday morning, Sept. 8, at Bethesda Pleasant View Nursing Home in Willmar.

A celebration of Eldon's life memorial service will be held at 1:30 PM, Wednesday, Sept. 11, at Peterson Brothers Funeral Home in Willmar. Interment will be in Fairview Cemetery in Willmar with Military Honors provided by Austin F. Hanscom American Legion Post 167. Friends may call from 5-7 PM, Tuesday at Peterson Brothers Funeral Home and one hour prior to the memorial service. (www.petersonbrothers.com)

Eldon Isreal Carlson was born on January 22, 1926 in Little Falls, Minnesota, the youngest son of nine, of Gurine Marie (Gudmundsen) and Fred Gustaf Carlson. He attended school in Willmar and later enlisted in United States Air Force and served as a teletype operator/mechanic in WW II while stationed in Japan. On April 9, 1949, he was married to Fern Joan Hawks of Willmar. Eldy was employed by Allied Gas in St. Louis Park, MN, where he and Joan Resided until 1962 when they returned to Willmar where he was named manager of the Allied Gas Company in Willmar. Eldon continued his work managing services for various natural gas companies including Minnegasco and eventually retiring as Manager of the Propane Division at Willmar Poultry. Eldy was one of the first service technicians in the state of Minnesota to convert an unleaded gasoline vehicle to a natural gas operated vehicle in the mid 70's. At the age of 80, Eldon retired as a contracted newspaper delivery person.

Eldy will be primarily remembered and greatly missed for the example he set, including that of a loyal and devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, all of which he was a constantly emulating by attending basketball, hockey, soccer, football, baseball, choir concerts, dance recitals, school plays, rocket launches and family camping trips with children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren to the very end of his life. Besides enjoying time with his family, Eldon started golfing in his late 60's and took home "many a trophy" in area golfing tournaments.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Joan, four children; Kathy (and Gary) Swanson of New London, Karen (and Patrick) Thibault of Willmar, Bill (and Mary) Carlson of Hutchinson and Rev. Mike (and Sara) Carlson of Willmar. Also surviving are eight grandchildren; Amy Jo (and Shane) Baker of Rochester, Michael (and Marcia) Swanson of Svea, Cassandra Swanson of Willmar, Alecia (and Travis) Sammons of Willmar, Nora Carlson of Hutchinson and Benjamin, Brianna and Bradyn Carlson of Willmar, seven great-grandchildren; Drevan Swanson, Sheridan Baker, McKayla Baker, Mason Swanson, McKenna Swanson, Mattix Swanson and Kendrick Swanson, and three sisters; Alyce Berglund of Washington, Ione (and Elmond) Ekblad of Willmar and Irene Nelson of Willmar, besides other relatives and friends.

He was proceeded in death by his parents, three great-grandchildren, two brothers (Floyd and Donald Carlson), three sisters (Ruth Edman, Hazelle Bergsten and Inez Osland), and several brother and sisters-in law.