Roger William Carlson

ROGER WILLIAM CARLSON September 18, 1929 - December 5, 2014 PSG Roger William Carlson, age 85 of Menahga, MN entered eternity on December 5, 2014 at his home south of Park Rapids, in Straight River Township, surrounded by his loved ones. Roger was born on September 18, 1929 to Gust and Claira (Johnson) Carlson in Osceola, WI. He joined his brothers, Arvid and LeRoy along with sisters Elaine, Viola, June and Ruth, soon welcoming a baby brother, Kenneth. He was baptized in Osceola, and confirmed into the Lutheran faith in Duluth, MN. The big family farmed in Osceola until 1932, when a chimney fire consumed their home. The family survived, all children accounted for except Roger who was found hiding under a table. The family was grateful to be intact, even though the home was a total loss. By 1936, the family relocated to Alwood, MN, where at the age of six, Roger began attending school. When he was a second grader, Gust and Claira moved their family north of Blackduck, near the Red Lake Indian Reservation. While able to begin high school, Roger was soon needed at home to help with the farm when his older brothers joined the service. He would continue his education in the Army, obtaining his G.E.D. 1944 brought the Carlson family to Park Rapids, MN his parents buying a farm near Hinds Lake. Roger continued to assist on the family farm until he joined the Army on April 28, 1948 in Duluth, MN. He received basic training at Fort Knox, KY; from there he was ordered to Oliver General Hospital in Augusta, GA for medical training. Twenty-three years of service in the Army took him to Frankfurt, Germany at the 97th General Hospital; the 218th General Dispensary in Bordeau, France; Camp Pickett in Korea during wartime; and two terms in Vietnam. He retired as a Platoon Sargent in 1962 from Fort Leonardwood, MO, remaining in the Reserve until 1965. During active duty, Roger received numerous awards, certificates and commendations, including the Proud Combat Medical Badge for serving in the infantry. In 1971 Roger returned to Park Rapids to settle on the family farm. He found his soul-mate in his favorite waitress, Valeria Beck, at Wimpy's Café, making her his bride August 9, 1975. Together the couple would later become the owners of Wimpy's Café, running it from 1987 to 2008. Roger was preceded in death by his wife of 37 years, Valeria in 2012; his parents, Gust and Claira; brothers: Arvid and his wife Charlotte, Kenneth and Leroy; sisters: Elaine, Viola, June and Ruth; stepson, Greg Beck and a grandson, Alex Preston in infancy. Survivors include his stepchildren: David (Jane) Beck, LaVonne Beck, Linda Beck and Connie (Stan) Preston all of Park Rapids, also Elizabeth Davis and Gary Beck of Minneapolis; numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews; sister-in-law Delores Pritchard; and brother-in-law Donald (Marge) Cekalla. Funeral Services are scheduled for 2:00 PM on Thursday, December 11, 2014 at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home in Park Rapids, MN with Pastor Stephen Norby officiating. Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the service. The Star Of The North Marine Corps League will provide the Military Honors, under the direction of Commandant David Free. Ray Vaadeland will play "Taps" and the Army Anthem. Special music will include "God Bless America", "They Tell Me Of A Home", and "When I Get Where I'm Going". Casket bearers will be: Greg Beck, Eric Hansen, Wayne Jensen, Ed Dammer, Charlie Dammer, and Curtis Cloutier. Honorary Casket bearers will be grandchildren: Nathaniel Beck, Jennifer Kovach, Nicole Beck, Stephine Hansen, Jennifier Johnsrude, Garrett Rautio, Paula Preston, Michael Beck, Ryan Davis, and Tasha Davis. A luncheon will be served at the Otto Hendrickson American Legion Post #212 following the service. Interment will be at the Bethel Cemetery in Hubbard Township, east of Park Rapids, MN. To leave online condolences or view the video tribute, please visit www.jonespearson.com.