John A. Carlson

John Arthur Carlson was born on February 4th, 1930 in Chicago Illinois. He was the son of Arthur and Selma Carlson (Godenius). He was the "trailer" as he had three much older sisters. John married his high school sweetheart, Carol Hansen in September 1951. John received his Bachelor's degree from the Illinois Institute of Technology in 1951. He won all kinds of honors and went to graduate school using the various financial provisions. Some providers were Ethyl Oil, Shell Oil and a competitive National Science Foundation grant. He ten received his Master and PH.D. degrees from the California Institute of Technology in Mechanical Engineering and Physics. John was elected an Alderman to the City Council in Park Ridge, Illinois. After marriage he taught Sunday School and was on the Session at the First Presbyterian Church of Rochester, MN. He was ordained an Elder. John and Carol had four sons which led to many Boy Scout Activities in which John was involved. His four sons are: John (Ting), Jeff (Tara), Joel (Teresa) and Clifford (Suzanne). He has nine grandchildren- Megan, Erik, Nicole, Lindsey, Bryan, Steven, Christopher, Alex and Paul. Erin and Brett are step Grandchildren along with others. There are five "greats". John's interests were many - he enjoyed tennis, softball, golf, bowling, boating, waterskiing, camping, music, fishing, gardening, auto repairs and playing at a superlative level, the game of bridge. He was a quiet gentle man. He loved his family very much and was a superb husband, father and grandfather. He loved his Lord Jesus and probably is with Him now. "Let not your heart be troubled You are trusting God, now trust in me. There are many homes up there where my Father lives, and I'm going to prepare them for your coming. (John 14:1-4). Following a small family service, A Memorial Service will take place in the spring at the Rochester Covenant Church.