Clarence Oden Carlson

Clarence Oden Carlson, 101, a longtime Crookston, MN resident, passed away late Saturday afternoon, December 3, 2022, at Good Samaritan Society-Sacred Heart in Bismarck, ND. Clarence had gone to Bismarck 2 weeks prior to be closer to his son, Clare, as his health was beginning to fail.

Clarence was born on June 26, 1921 in Tegner Township, near Kennedy, Minnesota, to Ellen and Andrew Carlson. He was the second of nine children. He attended school at Svea country schoolhouse through 8th grade and then began his work life in various agriculture jobs at home and for others.

During WWII he was drafted into the Army Air Corps in 1942 and trained as a medic. He served in England, France and Belgium during WWII as a member of the 555th Bombardment Squadron, 386th Bombardment Group. When asked, he had amusing and interesting stories about his experiences while serving.

Shortly after returning from the War he met Velma Herseth on a double date. Proving persistence to be a virtue they were married nine years later on July 2, 1955 at Skjeberg Lutheran Church, rural Drayton, ND. They raised two sons, Clare and Craig. Velma passed away May 16, 2007 after almost fifty-two years of marriage.

He was a farmer at Kennedy, Warren and Crookston MN. After he quit farming he worked for area farmers and then American Crystal Sugar.

After Clarence and Velma’s retirements in 1986, they volunteered for community activities, enjoyed traveling and spending time with family. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Crookston, MN and the local Eagles Aerie.

Clarence was a man of quiet disposition and a great example of how to be a husband and father.

He is survived by his sons, Clare (Lisa) of Bismarck, ND and Craig (Lynn) of Madison, WI; Granddaughters, Christine (Mike) Killoran and Caitlin (Brian) Reince also of Madison, WI; Great grandchildren: Caroline “Cara” Killoran, John “Jack” Killoran, Eleanor “Nora” Reince, Josephine “Josie” Reince and Isobel “Izzie” Reince; Brother, Franklin Carlson, Hallock, MN and sister-in-law, Eunice Carlson, Racine, WI.

Clarence was preceded in death by his wife, Velma; parents, Ellen and Andrew; and siblings: Donald (Bernice) Carlson, Helaine (Luverne) Ingeman, Allen (Eunice) Carlson, Phyllis Carlson, Clifford (Lek) Carlson, Barbara Carlson and James Carlson.

The funeral service for Clarence Oden Carlson will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, December 19, 2022, at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Crookston with The Rev. Greg Isaacson, officiating. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service. Military Honors will be provided by the Army National Guard and the Crookston Veterans Council. Memorials may be given in Clarence’s name to the Trinity Lutheran Church, Crookston, Skjeberg Lutheran Church, Drayton, ND, The Summit Foundation, Crookston, or a charity of choice.

Memorials may be given in Clarence’s name to the Trinity Lutheran Church, Crookston, Skjeberg Lutheran Church, Drayton, ND, The Summit Foundation, Crookston, or a charity of choice.