Harlan O. Carlson, Sr., 86
Harlan O. Carlson, Sr., 86 of Austin, formerly of Blooming Prairie, died at Austin Medical Center on Nov. 7, 2008. He was born March 29, 1922 to Adry and Esther (Nordstrom) Carlson in Watertown, Minnesota where he grew up and graduated from high school. After serving in the Navy during World War II, Harlan worked as a boiler man at the Blooming Prairie Creamery. He married Marilyn Riffe on May 15, 1947 in Watertown. Later he was employed by AMPI. Harlan and Marilyn moved to Austin in 1978. A boilerman at St. Olaf Hospital, he retired in April of 1987. He enjoyed traveling and tinkering on small engines and appliances.
Survivors include two sons, Russell Carlson and Harlan O. Carlson, Jr., Austin; daughter, Carolyn Lopez, Annapolis, Md.; two grandchildren, Taylor (Mark) Bliese and Christian Carlson, Austin; great-granddaughter, Claire Bliese; sister, Ardelle Carlson, Waconia; brother-in-law, Leonard Anderson, Hibbing; sister-in-law, Faye Carlson, Waconia; brother-in-law, John (Deanne) Riffe, Paynesville and other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Marilyn; a stillborn son; son-in-law, Michael Lopez; brother, Cy Carlson and sister, Joyce.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday at First Lutheran Church in Blooming Prairie with Pastor Heidi Heimgartner officiating. Visitation is from 4 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, at Worlein Funeral Home in Austin. Interment is at First Lutheran Cemetery, Blooming Prairie with military rites by American Legion Post 52. Memorials are preferred to First Lutheran Church, in Blooming Prairie. Worlein – Blooming Prairie Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.