Allan Carlson

Allan Carlson, age 81, of Erskine, MN, passed away on Tuesday (July 31st) at his home. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday (August 4th) at Grace Lutheran Church in Erskine with the Rev. Timothy Lundeen officiating. Interment will be in Fairview Cemetery, rural Erskine. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. prayer service on Friday (August 3rd) at the Carlin-Hoialmen Funeral Home in Erskine. There will also be reviewal for one hour prior to the service on Saturday at the church. Arrangements are with the Carlin-Hoialmen Funeral Home of Erskine.Allan Melford Carlson was born on November 10, 1925 in Fosston, Sask. Canada to parents Arthur and Minnie (Benson) Carlson. He attended elementary school in Canada. At the age of 13, he moved with his parents and two brothers to the United States where they made their home in Erskine, MN. In 1946, Allan graduated from the Northwest School of Agriculture in Crookston, MN. One of his many highlights in attending the Crookston A.C., was receiving the most improved basketball player of the year award.Allan was united in marriage to Elaine Moren at Maple Lake Lutheran Church on June 23, 1951. They were married for 56 years. To this union four children were born, Robert, Ronald, and Gary Carlson, and Kathryn Johnson-Paquin. Allan and Elaine were members of Grace Lutheran Church in Erskine.Allan was a natural salesman. He worked many years for Eddies Bread, and in 1988 retired from Garden Valley Telephone Co. in Erskine. During the summer months Allan and Elaine spent many hours operating the Mentor Dairy Queen. Al always enjoyed visiting with the lakes people, and it was always a pleasure for him to give some child a free cone..."Al the kiddy's pal".During Al's retirement he enjoyed many years of square dancing, bowling, and fishing. He also worked for Thieberts in Red Lake Falls selling cars. Al also had a green thumb like his mother. He enjoyed each minute in the greenhouse "up north" growing flowers, especially geraniums. For the past 10 years, Al grew and sold flowers with his son-in-law Pat and daughter-in-law Trudy. He was also active in the community serving on the school board, city council, lions, and the long range planning committee at Grace Lutheran Church. He served on the Intercounty Community Council for Polk County, and presently on the Red Lake Watershed Board.There was no hiding Al's love for sports. From his youth until time if passing, he shared his knowledge of baseball with many, rarely missing a local baseball game. He was a player/coach for the Erskine amateur baseball town team, and he enjoyed the Minnesota Twins. Al also shared his basketball skills with each of his children and many other youth at the Win-E-Mac School. He coached youth basketball locally and seldom missed a game. Boys or girls, from the local team to the Minnesota Gophers, Al knew the names of each team member and cheered them along!Al was very proud of his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Nothing gave him greater joy than watching them grow into responsible adults. He was always there to offer them encouragement and when asked, give them advice.On Tuesday, July 31, 2007 Allan passed away at his home in Erskine surrounded by the love of his family at the age of 81 years, 8 months, and 21 days.Survivors include his wife, Elaine; four children, Robert (Trudy) Carlson, Ronald (Jody) Carlson, Kathryn (Patrick) Paquin, and Gary Carlson; 10 grandchildren, and three great grandchildren. Their families are:Robert and Trudy Carlson of Erskine, Aaron and Bridget Carlson, and son Garrison of Warroad, MN, Jennifer Carlson and children Jorey and America of ErskineCasey Carlson and friend Kim of Erskine; Ronald and Jody Carlson of Alexandria, MN;Zachary, Josie, and Colby Carlson; Kathryn and Patrick Paquin of Erskine, Justin and Eric Johnson, Joshua and Molly Paquin; Gary Carlson of Maple Grove, MNAllan is also survived by his brothers, Milton (Fern) Carlson of Winger, MN, and Merlin (Marilyn) Carlson of New Ulm, MN; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.He was preceded in death by his parents; and son-in-law, Scot Johnson.