Brandon Carlson

Brandon Thomas Carlson, 34, died unexpectedly on January 22 at United Hospital in St. Paul. He had recently been diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disease which he was being treated for. He was born on June 18, 1980 in Duluth and was the cherished son of Brenda and John Flayton and Randy Carlson. Brandon graduated from Superior Senior High School in 1999; attended the University of Minnesota, University of North Dakota and Itasca Community College where he earned an Associated Arts Degree and a Business Management Certificate. Brandon worked at Northwest Outlet during high school and college; he was a restaurant manager for the Italian Moon Restaurant in Grand Forks, ND; a member of the Laborers International Union where he worked for Lakehead Constructors Inc. in Grand Rapids, MN for 6 years; most recently he was a meat cutter for Sam's Club in Apple Valley, MN. Brandon was an avid sports enthusiast, specifically the UMD Bulldogs, U of M Gophers, the Twins, Wild and the Vikings. His one true passion was UMD Bulldog Hockey. Brandon loved to cook with and for his family. He enjoyed watching and playing golf. Brandon had a gentle spirit and a unique sense of humor. He touched many lives in his own special way. Brandon was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Jim and Magdalene "Maggie" Carlson. Surviving along with his parents are his beloved grandparents, Don and Priscilla Olson, Duluth, MN; his loving sisters and brother, Brittany (Michael) Rotondo, Waconia, MN, Tara (Darin) Pasch, Rosemount, MN, Kim Shattuck, Charleston, SC, and BJ (Lindsey) Flayton, Woodbury, MN. Eight adoring nieces and nephews; several treasured aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Brandon's family is very thankful for the outpouring of love and support they have received. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Brandon's name to the Northern Lights Foundation, P.O. Box 16689, Duluth, MN 55816, which provides wishes and grants to Northern MN families with children facing life threatening illnesses. Fellowship with Family: 10 until the 11 a.m. celebration of Brandon's life Friday, Jan. 30, in Our Savior's Lutheran Church, 4831 Grand Ave, Duluth. Pastor Christine Anttila officiating. Inurnment in Oneota Cemetery. To sign the guestbook on-line, visit www.wlbfuneralhome.com. Arrangements by Williams Lobermeier Boettcher Funeral Home.