The extraordinary life of Harold William Carlson drew to a quiet close on Friday, October 13, 2023. His wife and three daughters were there to witness his passing.

Harry was born to Carl and Laura Carlson in Chicago, IL, on May 8, 1930. He was their only child. When the Great Depression deprived Carl of work there, he and Laura took their two-year-old back to their home state of Minnesota, where they farmed near the Carlson home place in Pike Creek Township near Little Falls, MN. Harry began his school years there.  When World War II broke out, the trio moved to St. Paul, MN where work was plentiful, and young Harold thrived.

He graduated from Gustavus Adolphus College in 1951 after which he began work toward an MBA at the University of Minnesota and enlisted in the U S Air Force. His intelligence and scholarly aptitude were recognized by the Air Force, which sent him to a year of language school at Indiana University to prepare him for his work as a linguist. He served in Berlin, Germany from 1953-57, monitoring the Russian and Polish air movements of the time. His years in Europe broadened his horizons and inspired his lifelong love of history.

He returned to Minnesota and took a job with The Prudential Insurance Company of America in its North Central Group Operations in Minneapolis. In his 34 satisfying years with Prudential, Harry met and worked with wonderful folks, many of whom became lifelong friends. After his retirement in 1991, he and his wife moved to the family lake place on Sturgeon Lake, where they pursued their varied interests.

Harry is survived by his three daughters, Karin Ann Carlson Spradlin, Sarah Lynn Carlson and Maria Lach Carlson. They welcomed Jacinta Timmons Carlson into their lives on June 6, 1986. The family grew to welcome five grandchildren: Emmett and Laura Spradlin, and Lucia, Ellen and Claire Carlson Callender.

Harry was The Rock of the family. His quiet demeanor belied his depth of intelligence and feeling.  He lived his values and was a steadfast example of equanimity, personal responsibility and good humor. He showed us the dignity of work, the importance of lifelong learning and the benefits of an open mind. A true Gustie, Harry Made His Life Count!

Harry's family will lay him to rest privately.  A celebration of his life is planned for June 15, 2024, to allow his far-flung scholar grandchildren to complete their studies. He rests in peace.

Memorials are preferred to the Moose Lake Area Food Shelf or Gustavus Adolphus College.