Dean Julius Carlson, of Stanchfield, went peacefully into the arms of his Lord Jesus Christ on Sunday, April 6, 2014 with his family by his side. He was 83 years old.
Dean was born on February 4, 1931 in Rush Point, Minnesota; the youngest of six children born to Julius and Karin (Peterson) Carlson. He was confirmed at Calvary Lutheran Church in Rush Point. In 1953, Dean was drafted into the United States Army. He was very proud of the two years he served his country. On June 30, 1953, Dean married Janice Theline. The couple made their home in Fort Hood, Texas until Dean was discharged from the Army in 1955. Dean and Janice moved to Stanchfield for a while before settling in Anoka. Dean worked for the Anoka County Parks Department for many years before retiring. He also spent 23 years working for the Star Tribune, hauling the Sunday newspaper to Duluth.
Dean and Janice were blessed to be foster parents to 232 children over 23 years. Dean loved raising and showing quarter horses and paint horses; which he and Janice did together up until the day Janice went to be with her heavenly Father in 1987. Dean was a leader and supporter of 4-H for more than 25 years. Dean served on the Anoka County Fair Board for 17 years, including several years as president. Dean was a member of the Constance Ev. Free Church in Andover and enjoyed playing on the softball teams, serving as usher, and deacon before moving back to Stanchfield after Janice’s death. Dean loved trips to Perkins for strawberry waffles and giving the waitresses a hard time. In November of 2009, Dean moved in with his daughter, Rita and her family and lived with them until his death.
Dean is preceded in death by his parents; wife Janice; sisters, Ruth (Stig) and Arlene (Milton); brothers, Rudy (Margie), Roy (Jean), and Harold (Bernice); nephew, Kevin Theline; mother and father-in-law, Clifford and Elsa Theline.
He is survived by his daughters, Robyn (Pat) Hughes of Cambridge and Rita (Tim) Hughes of Stanchfield; sons, Carey of Anoka and Jeff of Spring Lake Park; grandchildren, Jodi (Jason) Kahle, Mandy (Andy) Swanson, Heidi Hughes, Cody Hughes, and Travis Hughes; great grandchildren, Chelsey, McKayla, Korbin, Konner, Gemineyi, Bethany, and Brooke; beloved dogs, Bo and Reiley; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
A Memorial Service will be held at 7:00 pm on Friday, May 2, 2014 at the Braham Evangelical Lutheran Church with Rev. Rich Chronis officiating. A Memorial Visitation will be held 1 hr prior to the service at the church. Honorary urn bearers are Dean’s grandchildren. Military Honors will be provided. A private inurnment will be in the Constance Free Cemetery in Andover.