John David Carlson

John David Carlson was born in Minneapolis on December 30th, 1940 to Olof and Rae Martha Carlson. Soon after, they moved to Luck Wisconsin and he spent his childhood working on the family dairy farm. His family eventually moved to a home in Balsam Lake Wisconsin, where it was loved by many and stayed in the family until 1990.

After High School, John met Patricia Malmberg at a mutual friend’s party. From that point on they were together and married August 25th 1962. He received his degree from the Minneapolis Institute of Art and then begin his life-long employment at the Soo Line Railroad. He worked in the print shop and later became the supervisor. The last several years he worked as a clerk in the train yards and enjoyed the group of guys he worked with. He eventually retired when he had a stroke in 1999.

In 1967 Brent was born and Wendy came along in 1970. Twenty years of raising kids were the best times of his life. He went on many snowmobiling and fishing trips with his friends, and even flew a private plane when traveling to one of the Canadian fishing trips. During these years, most every weekend was spent at the Balsam Lake cabin. Those memories still live fresh in our hearts as they were priceless life moments, and we know that he was at home and loved every minute he spent there.

In 2001, his first Grandchildren were born, Alexander and Collin. In 2004, Braeden was born, and lastly Emma in 2005. He was the absolute best Grandfather and loved them to the core. He loved to spend time with Brent’s family at the new cabin on Bashaw Lake in Wisconsin. There were countless fishing trips with the Grandkids. In recent years, he went to many car and train shows with Brent and their great friend Tim Lininger.

John David also loved his shopping trips with Wendy’s family, and the many trips to the zoo with all the Grandchildren. One of the most special memories the Grandchildren have is Grandpa’s train room. Running his trains for the Grandkids and guests was one of his greatest joys.

He was also very passionate about photography and loved to travel. Some of his favorite vacations were to Florida, Canada, Seattle, the Black Hills, Kansas and Colorado to visit Family. He also was a huge collector of everything, and always enjoyed the treasure hunting. The last several years had been tough for him with Patricia’s ailing health, and it was such a difficult life change when she moved to a Nursing Home in 2019. He visited her most every day that he could, and was an amazingly devoted and loving Husband. Patricia recently passed away on September 16, 2021, and his heart was truly broken.

John David left behind a true legacy of love and kindness. He thoroughly enjoyed visiting with anyone who would listen to his stories of fishing, travel and trains. He was not shy about expressing his love for all of us, and there were no regrets in his life, he lived it to the fullest he could.

While they were dating, Patricia wrote a letter to him reading: “I love you Dear, be good, and take life easy. I’ll be seeing you in a few days, and I pray time will go fast. Lots of love, Pat.” These context of words certainly make me think of her in Heaven and seeing him soon. They were the epitome of true love and we believe he just couldn’t live without her.

We will miss you every day Dad, and love you beyond words. You were truly the best Father and Grandfather, and we will always be blessed with those memories. You will forever be in all of our hearts and we take comfort knowing that you are happy reunited with Mom in Heaven.

A graveside service for John will be held Saturday, December 4, 2021 at 11:00 AM at Sunset Cemetery, 2250 Saint Anthony Blvd NE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55418.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.sunsetfuneralservices.com for the Carlson family.