Bartlett "Bart" Carlson

Bartlett Bart Edward Carlson peacefully passed into the arms of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on October 28, 2016. Bart enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps at the age of 19. He earned the rank of Sergeant and served as a Crypto Tech with the 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines during the earliest engagements of the Vietnam War. Upon completion of his military service, Bart attended the University of Minnesota, Duluth and graduated Cum Laude with a degree in Business Administration in 1972. Throughout his career, Bart worked at S.S. Kresge, Coast-to-Coast Hardware, IDS Financial Services and Matco Tools. Bart enjoyed fishing, reading, cooking, music, crossword puzzles and playing bridge. He was a great conversationalist. He was also a formidable foe when it came to the board game, Trivial Pursuit! His days began with a devotional reading from the Bible and prayer. He served as the financial secretary at Grace Presbyterian Church in Duluth, MN. Upon moving to Rochester, MN in 2013, he joined Trinity Presbyterian Church, which he dearly loved. Exposed to Agent Orange during his Vietnam service, Barts faith in God sustained him through his many health challenges. Born August 27, 1944 in Duluth, MN, Bart was preceded in death by his parents, Edward G. and Alice E. Peggy (Davenport) Carlson. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Karen (Saxer) Carlson, as well as daughter Jennifer (Kevin) Nolan, brothers Bruce, Phillip (Gina), Tobin (Suzey), sisters Kristi (Phil) Johnson, Barbara (Jim) Freeman, Nancy (Jeff) Solem, brother-in-law Robert (Karen) Saxer, five nieces, eight nephews, one grand-niece and three grand-nephews. Visitation will be held at 10A.M. at Ranfranz Vine Funeral Home, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester, MN on Friday, November 4, 2016, with the service beginning at 11A.M. The burial will be held at Minnesota Veterans Cemetery in Preston, MN following a luncheon. Memorials are suggested to St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital. To share a special memory please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com