Chesley F. Carlson

Carlson Chesley F. Carlson, a "genuine gentleman" - a man of the heart with a deep feeling and reverence for life and for people and always an abiding, devoted and tender love for his family. Born in Minneapolis in 1910, he died April 28. Preceded in death by Dorothy D. Carlson, his wife of 57 years and brother, Wallace W. Carlson. Survived by daughter, Nancy D. Carlson of Edina, and nephews, Jay Carlson of Hopkins, Glenn Carlson, Forest Lake and Robert Rudd of Jackson, WY and nieces, Bonnie Barland Blair of Minnetonka and Mary Bruce of Bloomington. "Mr. C" was an energetic entrepreneur who started and ran a number of companies including the Chesley F. Carlson Company, an international printing equipment firm based in Minneapolis, Register System GmbH, Dortmund, Germany and Nandor, Inc., Park Rapids, a wholesale growing nursery. In World War II Ches Carlson volunteered for the infantry, serving for 3 years in the European theater. He received the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart and the Combat Infantry Badge. He was, along with Dorothy, a charter member of the Colonial Church of Edina, starting in 1946, and was active in the church through the years. He leaves a Legacy of love and a joyous and enthusiastically productive life, contributing professionally and personally - making it simply a better world. Heartfelt thanks to Dr. Durand Burns who encouraged, counseled and walked with us to the end and to the many friends whose love and prayers surrounded us. A Service of Celebration will be held on Wednesday, May 28 @ 2:00 p.m. at the Colonial Church of Edina. Private Interment. Memorials may be directed to the Colonial Church of Edina, 6200 Colonial Way, Edina, MN 55436 or to the Pilgrim Center for Reconciliation, 7001 Cahill Road, Edina, MN 55439.

Published on May 25, 2003