Gary L. Carlson

Gary Lee Carlson went to his heavenly home on August 1, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Mpls on 12-6-1948 to Richard and Marilyn Carlson. He was the oldest of four children and attended Woodlake Grade School and East Jr High. He graduated from Richfield HS in 1966. He graduated from Augsburg College 1970 with B.A. degree. Gary helped start high school and college soccer teams at Augsburg College and Richfield HS in the late 60’s. He also coached for those teams. He was drafted into the U.S. Army, serving during the Viet Nam Era from 1971-73, stationed in Europe. He was in Army Reserves until 1977. He married Bonnie Jean Larsen on May 25, 1974. They settled in Forest Lake, MN in 1975, where they raised five children. Gary taught art at Nicollet Jr High in Burnsville, and at Southwest Jr High in Forest Lake. He also coached soccer and started community summer soccer programs in both school districts. During those years he attended night classes to earn his Masters' Degree in Education from St Thomas University. His interest in and commitment to education was also evidenced by his involvement in the home schooling movement.  He worked hard to help pass Minnesota home school legislation, and he designed the original logo for the MN Association of Christian Home Educators (MACHE).  Years later he was a founding member of Hand In Hand Christian Montessori school and served on its board for thirteen years. In 1985 Gary accepted the job of Art Director for Decision Magazine with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. Here he found creative and spiritual fulfillment using his artistic gifts in ministry for the Lord. Gary was always very committed and active with his church, serving as deacon, Stephen Minister, prayer minister, and Chaplain. He participated for years in the Passion Play, and also served as a chaplain to veterans suffering with PTSD. First and foremost, Gary loved and served his God and Savior, Jesus Christ. He also loved and cherished his family. Finally he demonstrated an extravagant love for people, which never diminished even despite the throes of Alzheimer's Disease. While he lost his ability to speak and to remember, he never lost his sweet spirit and his desire to be amongst people. A remarkable man who will be very missed. 

Preceded in death by his parents. Survived by his wife, Bonnie; his daughters - Corinn Gostanzik (Brian), Karmen Dinh (Ty), Krista Barnett (Alex), his sons - Edwin and Cal, his grandchildren Ava Barnett, Abigaile Gostanzik, Addison Dinh, Uriah Barnett, Maxwell Dinh, Eliana Dinh, and Silas Barnett; his sister Kristi Ahlstrom (Joel), his brothers Scott (Denise) and John (Susan); his Uncle Ralph Carlson; his Aunt Marilyn Vatsaas; many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins, as well as extended family in several states. 

Funeral services to honor Gary's life will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, August 20, 2024 at North Heights Lutheran Church, 2701 North Rice Street, Roseville. Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 p.m., Monday at Mattson Funeral Home, 343 North Shore Drive, Forest Lake and one hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday. Private interment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. 

Memorial contributions may be made to:

Hand In Hand Christian Montessori, 211 N. McCarrons Blvd, Roseville, MN  55113 

Renaissance Adult Day Care, 3045 Coon Rapids Blvd NW, Coon Rapids, MN  55433