LARRY CARLSON

LARRY CARLSON

Larry Kendal Carlson, 79, of Finley, ND died Wednesday, April 1, 2026 in rural Finley, ND while tending to the farm- as he had done for most of his life.

Larry was born September 7, 1946 in Sharon, ND to Kermit and Laura Jean (Erickson) Carlson. He was baptized and confirmed at Sheyenne Valley Lutheran Church, and graduated from Finley High School in the Class of 1964. After high school, he attended the North Dakota State School of Science in Wahpeton, receiving his degree in auto mechanics. After graduation, Larry worked for a short time in Detroit Lakes, MN before receiving his call from Uncle Sam.

Larry was drafted into the United States Army and proudly served his country in Vietnam as the crew chief of a helicopter. At the end of his tour, he was honorably discharged rank SP5. Larry was a lifelong member of the Peterson-Olson American Legion Post 13 in Finley.

Upon his return from Vietnam, while waiting to hear back on his future in aviation, his father talked him into farming with him for a year back home. The rest, as they say, is history. In 1989 Larry married Carla Mikkelson, and they proudly raised a daughter, Amber, and a son, Lynn. Carla passed away from cancer in 2009, and he coped with the loss by diving even harder into his work.

Larry was proud to have farmed and raised cattle with his father, then his brother Dana, and briefly his brother Farrel as well. The later years of his life were spent farming and ranching alongside and teaching his son, Lynn and recently his daughter, Amber. There was no greater joy in life for Larry than to see the seasons change on the farm- the planting and calving, the haying and spraying, the harvest and tilling, the feeding and fixing. Family, faith and working on the farm were the most important things in his life, and they were so intertwined that rarely a minute was spent doing something else.

If you could get him to take a break from work, Larry loved a cup of coffee and a game of cards. It didn’t matter the game- although you had to be careful that he wouldn’t trick you into a mistake; and he wasn’t above cheating to get the win. He also loved to play practical jokes on friends and family whenever given the chance, with that toothy grin and a hearty laugh waiting to know that he got you. He also enjoyed bowling, country and gospel music, visiting with neighbors and friends, spending time with his grandchildren, and was proud to have recently finished reading the entire Bible.

Larry was proud to serve many years on the Steele County Mutual Insurance board. He was always generous to others with what the Lord gave him- often donating time and money to those in need, or charitable organizations anonymously- never wanting the credit. Larry will be remembered as both warm and light hearted, happy-go-lucky, a genuine friend, but most importantly- a loving father and grandfather.

Larry is survived by his children Amber and Lynn (Britni); his grandson Ledger and granddaughter Hattie; mother Laura Jean Carlson; brother Farrel (Gail) Carlson; sisters Jennifer (Dennis) Bayer and Vickie (Randy) Lindquist; sisters-in-law Carol Carlson, Gail (Keith) Vandal; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his wife Carla, father Kermit, brother Dana, niece Tina Carlson, and father and mother in law Vince and Ardys Mikkelson.

The family asks that memorials be directed to the Sheyenne Valley Cemetery Fund or the Finley American Legion. We also would like to thank the Finley first responders and the West Traill Ambulance for their care and compassion for a man that will be missed so dearly.

Visitation will be Thursday, April 9, 2026 in the Quam-Plaisted-Cushman Funeral Home, Cooperstown, ND from 5:00 pm till 7:00 pm with a Prayer Service at 6:00 pm. Visitation will continue Friday from 9:00 am till 10:00 am in the Sheyenne Valley Lutheran Church. Funeral Services will be at 10:00 am, Friday April 10 in the Sheyenne Valley Lutheran Church, rural Finley, ND. Burial with full military honors will take place immediately after the service in the Sheyenne Valley Cemetery.

Visitation will be Thursday, April 9, 2026 in the Quam-Plaisted Funeral Home, Cooperstown, ND from 5:00 pm till 7:00 pm with a Prayer Service at 6:00 pm. Visitation will continue Friday from 9:00 am till 10:00 am in the Sheyenne Valley Lutheran Church. Funeral Services will be at 10:00 am, Friday April 10 in the Sheyenne Valley Lutheran Church, rural Finley, ND.