Clifford Carlson 03/14/2015

Clifford Warner Carlson, age 92 of Princeton, MN, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, March 14, 2015 at the Elim Care Center in Princeton.  Clifford was born the son of Hayes and Mathilda (Hawkinson) Carlson on June 12, 1922 in Isanti, MN.  He grew up in Isanti.  On May 6, 1944 he was married to Betty Jane Soule at our Savior’s Lutheran Church.  The couple farmed for a few years before moving to Princeton in the early 1950’s.  Clifford worked as a mechanic for Hall Implement, then farmed at Sunnyview Farm until 1974.  He then went to work as a mechanic for Ratzloff until returning to farm with Robert Soule in 1988.  Clifford also spent many years working for Oakwood Game Farm.  He and Betty were members of a car club and Bethany Lutheran Church where he served on the school board.  Clifford loved to tinker and could fix anything.  He enjoyed playing the guitar and harmonica.  He built go karts and a track for them to be driven on.  He was dependable and easy going, loved to discuss a new idea, was an avid reader and a great storyteller.  Clifford was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather.  He is preceded in death by his parents, Hayes and Mathilda Carlson; wife, Betty Jane Carlson; and siblings, Murnel (Alex) Benson, Evelyn (Lawrence) Truelson, Marie (Bernard) Quickstrom-Benson, Virgil (Eleanor) Carlson, Dorthea (Clarence) Beck, Victoria (Alvin) Wredberg, Ardis (George) Peters, and Willard Carlson.  Clifford is survived by his children, Gary (Janice) Carlson, Steven (Kathleen) Carlson, and Diane Theisen; grandchildren, David Carlson, Paul (Joa) Carlson, Sarah (Brian) Carlson, Mark Carlson, Elizabeth (David) Bull, Michelle (Michael) Maida, Heather Dodd, Chad (Ann) Carlson, Heidi Jo (Matthew) Bergmann, Rachel (Nic) Eastwood, Rebecca (Justin) Thurber, and Ryan (Dedra) Theisen; great-grandchildren, Joel Dodd, Raef Dodd, Brooke Maida, Ethan Thurber, Jay Maida, Daniel Maida, Allison Carlson, Nathan Carlson, Erica Maida, James Thurber, Lydia Theisen, Leif Carlson, Oliver Carlson, Grant Bergmann, Nolan Theisen, Harvey Carlson, Sydnee Bull, Chloe Carlson, Jonas Bergmann, Ava Bull, Layla Eastwood; sister-in-law, Diane Carlson; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.  A Funeral Service was held Tuesday, March 17, 2015 at 11 am at Bethany Lutheran Church in Princeton, MN.  Visitation was also Tuesday from 9-11 am at the church.  Interment was in Our Savior’s Lutheran Cemetery.  Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services of Hudson.