January 1, 1933 - October 26, 2021
Donald LeRoy Carlson
"Sonny"
Age 88, of Richfield, passed away Oct. 26, 2021. Survived by son, Todd; sister, Carol Hurt; and many loving nieces, nephews, family and friends. Preceded in death by his parents, Manfred and Anna; wife, Dorothy Anne (nee, Bennett); brother, Lawrence Carlson; sisters, Dorothy Wallace, Joyce Riddell and Delores MacDougall; special friend, Phyllis Rose, and many beloved family members.
Don attended Oak Grove Lutheran Church. He was a loving servant of God and that showed in the values he instilled in others. Even if you didn't know Don, Jesus shined through him. He was a beacon of light and that may be another reason his nickname was “Sonny”. Don was in the US Army during the Korean War and was stationed in Alaska. He retired from Honeywell after 29 years (1966- 1995) and belonged to the Teamsters Union Local #1145.
He was a beloved family man, who loved traveling to other states to visit with family, camping, fishing, watching the Twins, Vikings and Western tv shows. He drove for Meals on Wheels and took pride in his community. He and Dorothy were members of the American Legion #435 and Fred Babcock VFW #5555. Don enjoyed hanging out at the Creekside Community Center in Bloomington where he played 500 and appreciated the fellowship and meals with friends. For years, he played Bingo at Nativity Church, Knights of Columbus and Mystic Casino.
He was the most generous, kind, caring, supportive man to all of his family and friends. He is now free of pain and can rest easily. He will be truly missed but never gone from our hearts.
Rest peacefully, for now your spirit is free.
Sore with the Eagles and know that you will forever be loved.
Never Forgotten.
Visitation
Thursday, December 16, 2021
4PM - 7PM
Morris Nilsen Funeral Chapel
6527 Portland Ave. S.
Richfield, MN 55423
Memorial Service
Friday, December 17, 2021
11:30AM
Visitation 1 hour prior
Morris Nilsen Funeral Chapel
6527 Portland Ave. S.
Richfield, MN 55423
Click here to watch Don’s service.
Interment
Friday, December 17, 2021
12:45PM
with Military Honors
Fort Snelling National Cemetery
7601 34th Avenue South
Minneapolis, Minnesota
I remember Donnie and Dorothy as if it was yesterday. Always ever so kind and sweet. My grandmother (Dora) & I made it a point to go to their 25th Wedding Anniversary party on Oliver Ave. Donnie was in my father Kent’s wedding if I recall correctly. Prior to my folks 64th wedding anniversary, I drove them to MN for a month vacation ,4 years ago. Of course, it was a pleasure spending an afternoon visiting with Donnie. While its been 21 months since I lost both parents, we still chattered about the fond memories of the MN visit to see Donnie, as well as the loving memories of Dorothy . Many Donnie rest in peace now with his sweetheart once again!
We love you Sunny! You touched many lives and always had a smile! We will miss you and we know that you are with God now! Family!
There is no finer man in the world than our Uncle Sonny. He was always there for anyone and always up to do anything with us as kids. He was the person we all need to be…kind, loving, generous, thoughtful and never forgot anything we told him. His love of family is second to none! Although he will be missed, he will live on in our hearts. We we’re very lucky to have him for so long…Todd, he loved you more than anything…you could not have been a better son and being there for him at the end is something I know he was grateful for your loving care.