Bernie Carlson
Posted By Ballard Sunder Funeral Home On May 24, 2020 @ 7:05 pm In 2020,Obituaries | 22 Comments
Bernie Carlson, age 75 of Prior Lake, entered eternal life on Saturday, May 23, 2020. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11AM on Thursday, May 28, 2020 at St. Michael Catholic Church, Prior Lake. Bernie’s grandchildren will act as pallbearers. He will be laid to rest at St. Michael Catholic Cemetery with Father Tom Walker presiding.
Friends over the age of 65 and/or with compromised immune systems are encouraged to watch the live streamed mass by visiting stmichael-pl.org and clicking on the Live Streaming tab. For those attending in person, a mask is required for the health & safety of our community.
Memorials are preferred and will be distributed to charities by the family in Bernie’s honor.
On November 22, 1944 in Bismarck, ND, Bernard James Carlson was born to parents Bernard and Margaret (Kuhn) Carlson. He was one of seven children. The family lived briefly in North Dakota before settling in Bowdle, SD, where Bernie attended school.
Following his high school graduation, Bernie continued his education at St. John University. After earning a degree in accounting and economics, Bernie joined the work force. He worked as a CPA with Arthur Anderson’s before entering the United States Army. While Bernie was stateside for a few years, he later served his county in Vietnam as an officer for a signal corp. During this time, Bernie was awarded a bronze star.
Upon returning to Minnesota, Bernie continued his work as a CPA for the Minneapolis Public School System and later worked as the Director of Finance for the City of St. Paul. In 1981, he resigned and began the most enriching part of his career—that of being a business owner. Starting out in Shakopee with the OK Hardware store, Bernie would later own and operate hardware stores throughout the metro. Carlson Hardware would later become a family business. Bernie felt so fortunate to work alongside his children and grandchildren!
On July 5, 1969, Bernie was united in marriage to Ethel Job at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Freeport, MN. They were blessed with four children and 51 years together. A caring man, Bernie was always supportive of his children’s activities and sports. Bernie and Ethel would later move to Prior Lake to be closer to their children and grandchildren.
In his free time, Bernie enjoyed boating on Prior Lake with his family and was an avid golfer. For many years, work prevented Bernie from spending too much time on the course. In 2000, Bernie and Ethel began wintering in Brownsville, TX, where Bernie made up for lost time on the golf course. He was also a member of the Prior Lake VFW and active in the community.
An independent thinker, Bernie’s legacy of dedication and hard work will continue with those who love him most. He is survived wife, Ethel Carlson; children, Michelle (Al) Imholte, Eric (Patty) Carlson, Byron Carlson, David (Sara) Carlson; grandchildren, Kathryn Imholte, Samantha Imholte, Rachel Imholte, Brady Carlson, Sierra Carlson, Noah Carlson, Hadley Carlson, Haley Carlson; siblings, John (Darlene) Carlson, Susan Weinberg, Richard (Elsa) Carlson, Steve (Anne) Carlson, Timothy (Sue) Carlson, Dennis (Julie) Carlson; other relatives and friends.
Preceded in death by parents, Bernard and Margaret; sister, Elizabeth; brother-in-law, Tom Weinberg, nephew, Jeff Carlson
Offer Condolence for the family of Bernie Carlson
Print Obituary & Condolences Condolences for the family of “Bernie Carlson”
Way too soon, you will be missed by many. Rest in peace Bernie!
Ethel and Family
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Sending Hugs at this difficult time.
Our sincere condolences. Walter and Martha Carlson
Hey Bernie going to miss giving you crap about your gold game . RIP my friend
Bernie was a good man. He bore testament to his faith and beliefs without braggadocio or bombast. I always admired his (and Ethel’s) mission trips to South America. He was always friendly, cheerful and upbeat. He was a pleasure to be around, even as he regularly took our cash in our monthly poker game. He will be missed
Our thoughts and prayers to you. Hugs are hard to do over phone.
ETHEL, Know our thoughts and prayers are with ypu and your family. remember we are only a phone call away.
Thoughts and prayers from the Almazan and Briones family
Ethel, Michelle, and Bernie’s family:
You are in my heart and prayers. Bernie was an amazing business and loving family man, and quite a funny fella! I am grateful to God for giving me theopportunity to have known him.
Love and many hugs, Carlson family ♡♡
Dear Ethel,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of deep sadness. May you feel the comforting arms of Jesus close and may His peace fill your heart each day. You and Bernie are an inspiration with 51 years of marriage! Not many couples have that kind of legacy and we are thankful for your example and kindness as our neighbors in Brownsville.
Much love,
Jennifer & Josias De Trinidad
Ethel and family,
Our thoughts and prayers surround you now and encircle you for the days to come.
Bob and Trude Hartmann
Ethel, Michelle and Al and the Carlson family Our prayers to all of you as you begin a new journey. May you find comfort in your treasured memories.
Our deepest sympathies to all the carlson families. He was a very kind person. He will be missed.
So sorry for your loss. Wish I could be there. Take care.
To the Carlson Families:
The “good guys” always leave us first. Bernie was one of the original “good guys.”
Go in peace Bernie and be with The Father.
May the blessings of the Lord be with the Carlson families.
Ethel and all
What a beautiful service to have as your last memory of Bernie. Sorry I couldn’t be there today as it is best for me to limit exposure to other people as I still am working with so many immuno-suppressed people. My thoughts are with you today and always.
Ethel, Michelle, Eric , Byron and David,
So very sad to hear about the loss of your husband and father. May God carry you through this very difficult time. Bernie worked hard his entire life and was a very good and great family man. May God grant you all peace.
Donna Carlson.
Our deepest sympathies to you, Ethel, the entire Carlson and Imholte families on the passing of Bernie. Dale and I only knew Bernie the last 10 years. Bernie hired Dale into his hardware business on a part-time basis, shortly after Dale was laid off from a full time job. This opportunity help us so very much at that time, and soon Dale was working full-time at the Main St. store. Dale will always be thankful to Bernie for this opportunity. Our prayers are with you during this time, but your strong faith in our Lord will get you through. Share your memories of him, as this will keep Bernie alive in your hearts.
Dale and Linda Pelzl
Our sincere condolences to you, Ethel, and the Carlson and Imholte families. This is the time when our faith is the strongest! Share your memories of Bernie and that will keep him alive in your hearts. God Bless you and your family.
Dale & Linda
Dear Ethel, So sorry for your loss.
Sorry to hear about this. I worked at True Value Hardware in Apache Plaza in the early 1990s.
Click here to print.
Article printed from Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation: https://www.ballardsunderfuneral.com
URL to article: https://www.ballardsunderfuneral.com/bernie-carlson/
Click here to print.
Copyright © 2015 Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation. All rights reserved.
Ethel & Family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time for you all