Willard Carlson

Willard "Willy" Carlson, 82, Duluth, died peacefully Aug. 22, 2016 at his home. He was born in Red Eye Township, Minn., on Dec. 31, 1933 to Emil and Jennie Carlson. He was a graduate of Denfeld High School. Willy married Beverly Jennison in Duluth and just celebrated 60 years of marriage. He was a dedicated Superwood-Georgia Pacific employee retiring after 42 years of service. He loved cribbage, camping, traveling, golfing, fishing, and all sports. Preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Ernest and Ervin; sisters, Melvina, Jean and Linda; stepfather, Waino Kaikkonen; niece, Sandra Makie, and Mary Skorich who was under their guardianship. Willy is survived by his wife, Beverly; children, Rita (Al) Potvien and Sharon (Colin) Bates of Duluth, Steve (Dawn) Carlson of Phoenix, Ariz., Paula (Mark) Yadlosky of Rochester, Minn.; niece, Sheila (Mike) Merrier; eight grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; special lifelong friends, Bud and Ann Stenstrom.

Special thanks to Dr. Jay Knuths and nurse Laurel for their 28 years of care and Dr. Michael Mollerus.

VISITATION: 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 28, in Holy Family Catholic Church 2430 West 3rd St., Duluth. Visitation continues from 10 a.m. until the 11 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial Monday in the church. Burial at Oneota Cemetery. Memorials to the Holy Family Maintenance Fund are preferred. Williams-Lobermeier-Boettcher Funeral Home is entrusted with final care.