Carl Nunstedt,
93, of Grand Marais and Florida, died June 30, 2013.
He was born Feb. 18, 1920 in Two Harbors to Edwin Nunstedt and Ida Olson Nunstedt. Carl’s father was a builder in Grand Marais and Two Harbors. Edwin built the Coast Guard station in Grand Marais, the old Lutsen school and many homes. Edwin also built Chik-Wauk Lodge and this was the summer home to Carl and his older brother Art, whose marriage to Lydia Mayer introduced him to one of his lifelong friends, Norbert “Norby” Mayer. Together, Carl and Norby guided many fishermen on Saganaga Lake. As Carl became a little older he learned the trade of building and hotel management.
Carl enlisted in the Army in 1942 and was part of the 571 Service Squadron from Fort Snelling. He was eventually stationed in Egypt during World War II.
In 1946 Carl married Grace Ann Hagen (1917-2000). In Two Harbors Grace and Carl managed the Agate Bay Hotel. Carl thought the future was going in the direction of motels so he and Grace built Carl’s Viking Motel on Highway 61 in Two Harbors. Carl was also a partner in the Two Harbors Ready Mix.
Grace and Carl had three daughters, Linda, Laurel and Carol. During that time there were rumors of Highway 61 being rerouted so he and Grace decided to sell the motel and try something new. The family moved to West Hollywood, Florida where Carl became owner of a car dealership. The Nunstedts lived in Florida for two years and decided it was time to move back to their roots, Grand
Marais.
Carl’s original plan of marriage and children entailed building a sawmill and having his future sons operate the business. Being the father of three girls and having reservations about indenturing his daughters to a sawmill, Carl embarked on building and opening a restaurant and having his daughters help operate the business. In 1961 The Hub (eventually the Harbor Inn and Pie Place) opened for business. The motel was added two years later.
Carl was an avid golfer, fisherman, builder, hunter and socialite. His talents and skills were many, but he reveled in the social aspect of the North Shore culture, telling stories and singing on many occasions and holidays. He loved songs written in the 19th century such as Dunderbeck and other classic music hall songs. His easy nature and lively zest earned him the name of “Mardi Gras” not only for his love and attendance of the festivities in New Orleans but his zeal for enjoying any soiree with the same diligence.
In their retirement Carl and Grace resided in Grand Marais and wintered in Florida. Life was good.
Carl was preceded in death by his wife and daughter Laurel Nunstedt.
He is survived by his daughters Linda Nelson and Carol Backlund; grandsons JC Toftey (Mary) and Jeff Backlund (Andrea) and his grandchildren Kelsey and Callie Toftey and Brooke and Mia Backlund.
Services are pending.
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