Evert J. Carlson

Evert John Carlson, age 71 of Red Wing, died suddenly on June 4, 2009, while fishing on his favorite lake, Big Sandy, near McGregor, Minnesota. Evert was born on October 7, 1937 in Red Wing, Minnesota the son of Elmer and Eunice (Wulf) Carlson. He grew up on the family farm in Vasa and graduated from Red Wing Central High School in 1955. After graduation Evert enlisted in the United States Navy in 1956 and served his country for three years before receiving an Honorable discharge in 1959. Evert was employed at Midland Co-op and later at Lee Line Bus Company where he worked as a mechanic and coach driver, taking many trips with local groups to all the U.S. states and Canada. He retired in 2000. Evert married JoAnn (Lundberg) Gilles on February 14, 1988 in Las Vegas, Nevada. They enjoyed camping, driving on trips out west and to Alaska, and had spent the last 9 winters in Arizona. Evert also enjoyed fishing and hunting, especially with his grandsons, and he enjoyed spending time with all of his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and family.

Evert is survived by his wife JoAnn Carlson of Red Wing; two sons Todd (Lori) Carlson of Red Wing, and Troy (Melissa) Carlson of Welch; stepchildren Steve (Rene) Gilles, Kellee (Jim) Kreye, and Tony (Shelly) Gilles all of Red Wing; ten grandchildren Angie Schulenberg, Teresa Carlson, Nikki Traverna, Kathy Carlson, Blake Carlson, Ashley Safe, Ben Gilles, Cole Gilles, Kaci Gilles, Kaylee Gilles; three great-grandchildren Sydney Ziemer, Riely Kreye, and Alek Schulenberg; siblings Ina Christofferson of Red Wing and Harry Carlson of Crookston, Minnesota. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, June 8, 2009 at Vasa Lutheran Church with Reverend Mark Kalb officiating. Visitation will be held two hours prior to the service at the church. Honorary Bearers will be Evert's grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Arrangements handled by Mahn Family Funeral Home, Bodelson-Mahn Chapel.
www.mahnfamilyfuneralhome.com