Russell Conrad Carlson, 68, of Grand Portage, a U.S. Navy veteran, died of congestive heart failure in the Cook County Care Center September 11, 2015.
A memorial service was held on September 18, 2015 at Red Rock Beach on the Grand Portage Indian Reservation. The Grand Portage American Legion performed a flag presentation and Taps. Greeting, opening prayer, and message were conducted by his brother Rudolph “Rudy” Carlson and eulogies by his four sons. Russ’ favorite songs were played Hurt by Johnny Cash and I Believe in You by Don Williams.
Russell was born March 11, 1947 in Duluth, Minnesota, to Rudolph C. Carlson (deceased) and Mary Ellen Johnson (deceased). During his boyhood he lived in Silver Bay where he loved to play baseball, football, and basketball. He graduated in 1965 and shortly after joined the U.S. Navy, serving four years on the USS Wright.
Russell loved the autumns in Minnesota. He enjoyed the colorful foliage while taking many drives on the back roads. He cherished the animals of the forest and especially loved dogs and cats. He loved to fish on Lake Superior with his cousin Noble Carlson. Fish cakes were his favorite food made by his loving stepmother. He adored the people of and beauty in Grand Portage.
Surviving are four loving sons, Jeffrey W. Carlson (Pauline) of Grand Portage, Russell C. Carlson Jr. (Becky) of Billings, Montana, Gregory J. Carlson (Jennifer) of Virginia Beach, Virginia, and Brett E. Carlson of Ontario, Canada. Also surviving are stepmother Margaret (Olson) Carlson of Croftville and siblings Kathryne Carlson-Sipple (James) of Medina, New York, Ramona Eide of Grand Canyon Village, Arizona, Ellen Hanson (Paul) of Duluth, Rudolph “Rudy” C. Carlson Jr. (Mary Kay) of Duluth, Edward J. Eide (Kim) of Silver Bay, and Claudia Eide of Gilbert, Arizona. Russell also left behind five beautiful granddaughters and two handsome grandsons.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Julie A. Carlson-Andree (Tom) of Puposky, Minnesota.
Final resting place: Sunset Cemetery in Grand Portage.
Loading Comments