Obituary of Irving Carlson

Irving Leonard Carlson died at GracePointe Crossing West in Cambridge, Minnesota on Monday, August 13, 2012 after a long life of 92 years. A lifetime resident of Maple Ridge Township, Irving was born to Oscar and Mary (Landin) Carlson on May 23, 1920. Irving attended school at District #44 which was a one mile, across the woods trek from his home. Irving married Eileen Yvonne Westberg on October 16, 1943 and they made their home in rural Springvale Township before moving to Irving's home place in 1966. They raised two children, Rebecca and Luther. Irving farmed throughout his entire life. After working part-time as a carpet layer, Irving and his brother-in-law Victor Westberg joined forces and started one of the largest dairy herds in Isanti County for that time. Irving served on the Maple Ridge Township Board for more than twenty years. After his retirement, Irving remained active becoming the farm's parts runner. At this time, he developed his previously untapped talent for wood carving. Horses were his specialty. Irving always wanted a team of his own but his poor legs prevented this so he carved horses instead. Irving was a lifetime member of Salem Lutheran Church of Dalbo where he served in many capacities. Irving was a widower for 31 years following Eileen's death in 1981. He was also preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Mary. Irving is survived by his daughter Rebecca (Wayne) Olson of Cambridge and his son Luther (Roxanne) Carlson of Stanchfield; five grandchildren Kelly (Wade) Mikkelson of Montana, Laura (Phil) Hennemann of WI, Angie Olson of St. Paul, Nick (Jessie) Carlson of Stanchfield, and Zachary Carlson of Fargo, ND; and eight great grandchildren McKayla, Mable, Katelyn, Ava, Ruth, Riston, Isabella, and Grace. Also surviving are his three sisters Myrtle Dahlin, Loretta Kilpatrick, and Marian Miller all of Minneapolis.