Donald "Donnie" Carlson

Donald “Donnie” Carlson I passed away peacefully on March 4, 2026, at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, North Dakota, surrounded by his family. Born on July 28, 1939, in Strandquist, Minnesota, to Oscar and Jeanette (Onger) Carlson, Donnie was a lifelong educator and dedicated community member whose quiet strength and generosity touched many lives.

After graduating from Strandquist High School in 1957, Donnie earned a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Bemidji State University. He taught social studies in Strandquist and drove a school bus, ensuring children arrived safely at their activities. In addition to teaching, he worked for Robertson Lumber in Karlstad and at Super America. He served with the Karlstad volunteer fire department and remained an active member of the Strandquist cemetery association and Bethesda Lutheran Church for many years.

A proud U.S. Army veteran who served in Korea, Donnie was a longtime member of the American Legion and served as Post Commander of the Sam R. Hougard Post #466 for more than 25 years. In 1964 he met Evangeline “Vangie” Larson at a dance in Florian, Minnesota. They married on April 24, 1965, at Bethel Lutheran Church in Karlstad and together raised six children.

Donnie found joy in simple things—mowing his lawn, playing and coaching basketball, golfing, hunting, fishing, and attending races in Greenbush. Above all, he treasured time spent with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Vangie, his parents, granddaughter Chesney Carlson, brothers Ron, Jerry, and Merlin Carlson, and sister-in-law Marlene Carlson. He is lovingly remembered by his children Xan (James) Stephenson, Kim (Steve Boe) Carlson, David Carlson, Cindy (Todd) Mork, Donald (Tabithah) Carlson II, and Ron (Chelsae) Carlson, along with his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many other relatives and friends.