Gary Carlson

Donald Gerald "Gary" Carlson, 87, of Alexandria, Minnesota, passed away peacefully at his home on February 21, 2025, surrounded and cared for by his loving family from acute leukemia. He is survived by his children: Mark Carlson (Deb), Heidi Carlson, Juli Holst (Dan), and Eric Carlson (Karla); grandchildren: Kyle, Adam, Amy, Sam, Errol, Doe, Noah, August, and Jo; and siblings: Charles Carlson, Juliet Carlson, and Vicki Lindberg.

Gary was born on a farm in rural Canton, South Dakota to Vernon Charles Carlson and Wilma Mary (Kafer) on October 17th, 1937. He was the second of four children. Gary attended Canton High School, where he excelled in sports, including basketball, football, and track. He later earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from South Dakota State University. In 1956, Gary was recruited by the cross-country coach to join the team, playing a key role in securing the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Championship.

Upon graduation, Gary was selected as one of four students for a cooperative work-study program at Honeywell, which marked the beginning of his 30-year career, primarily in the Aerospace Division. His work included designing components for the Apollo space program.

Gary met the "love of his life," Lela Kay Bruss, on a blind date while interning at Honeywell. He knew that night he would marry her, and they were wed on December 27, 1958, at St. Luke's Lutheran Church in Wood Lake, Minnesota. They started their life together in Minneapolis before settling in Spring Lake Park, where they raised their four children.

An active member of his community, Gary served on the Prince of Peace Church School Board, coached various sports teams for his children, and supported Lee's nonprofit agency, which served the mental health needs of children and families all while achieving his MBA from St Thomas University.

At the age of 50, Gary rediscovered his love for running and completed the Twin Cities and Grandma’s marathon’s qualifying him to compete in the Boston Marathon. He instilled in his children a deep appreciation for nature by taking them camping in national parks across the country, including the Boundary Waters, Yellowstone, the Badlands, the Grand Canyon, and many more.

Gary and Lee also found time to travel together, visiting Germany and France while researching their family genealogy. They built their dream home on Maple Lake in Alexandria, hosting many joyful family gatherings, but before they could retire there, Lee tragically passed away from cancer.

In search of renewal, Gary retreated to Holden Village in Washington State, a place for people to have important conversations about life, faith, and spirituality. There he rediscovered his passion for life. He later found companionship in his second wife, Arlene. Together, they relocated to the lake house, where they enjoyed family, friendship, gardening, winemaking, senior college courses, and traveling the world. They spent winters in Mesa, Arizona, hiking the desert landscapes and establishing friendships. After 10 years of marriage, Arlene passed away with dignity and grace, with Gary by her side.

Gary continued to develop new interests, turning wooden bowls, writing poetry and traveling with his dear friend Nancy, visiting destinations such as Malaysia, China, Thailand, Greece, Italy, and England. He also dedicated his final years to activism, passionately working to address climate change. Gary organized a national climate change conference in St. Paul, wrote editorials for the Star Tribune and local papers, and lobbied at both the local and state levels through the Citizens' Climate Lobby. He believed his background in science, technology, and engineering gave him a unique perspective to discuss practical solutions for this global challenge.

A lifelong devotee of putting his faith into action, Gary was committed to helping others. He stood by his family during difficult times and generously contributed to charities that served those in need. His humility, intellectual curiosity, kindness, and interest in others were a gift to those who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to charities Gary supported, including Habitat for Humanity, Doctors Without Borders, the Environmental Defense Fund, and Heifer International. They also encourage those who can, to consider donating blood or platelets to the American Red Cross.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Vivie Hospice for the exceptional care and support they provided during this difficult time.

Visitation will be held on Monday, March 3, 2025, 12:00 - 1:00 PM at First Lutheran Church in Alexandria with a Memorial Service at 1:00 PM at the church.  Burial will be at St. Luke's Lutheran Cemetery in Wood Lake, MN.