Paul Elving Carlson

Paul Elving Carlson, 86, of Duluth, passed away peacefully at home, on September 27, 2023, with his family by his side.

Paul was born in Duluth on September 21, 1937, to Alice (Lindberg) and Elving Carlson and grew up in the West End along with his two sisters. He graduated from Denfeld High School in 1955 and went on to work his way through college at UMD, earning a bachelor’s degree in business. Paul enjoyed a 35-year career in sales for Minnesota AAA.

It was during college while working at the Red Owl grocery store that he met his future wife, Joan (Berg). Paul and his buddy offered Joanie and another checkout girl a ride home from the Red Owl company picnic, and the rest is history. This July, they celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. He and Joan raised three children, and he took great joy in being involved in their activities, giving them good advice, and supporting them 100%. He was the dad who went the extra mile, building skating rinks in the yard, teaching them fun and valuable life skills, swimming with them and making them laugh when he hooted and hollered in the cold water. He and Joan created many family memories at their cabin on Pequaywan Lake – fishing, waterskiing, snowmobiling, and spending time with friends and relatives.

Paul was an equally loving grandpa who took pride in his grandchildren and always told them, “Don’t take any wooden nickels” which was shorthand for I love you. He loved cars and restoring cars including several he fixed up for his sons. He was a great gift-giver at Christmas and anytime. Paul liked being at the deer shack with his “Shirttail Gang” extended family, watching thunderstorms from a folding chair in the garage, and telling jokes. His rendition of the “chicken song” was legendary. Paul was also a do-it-yourself guy who spent countless hours making improvements to their homes, cabin, and later to his kids’ houses. He always had a project!

Paul and Joan had fun through the years going dancing, entertaining, and traveling, from Las Vegas to cruises all over the world.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents; and sisters, Averyl Thoresen and O’Rell Spearman. He will be deeply missed by his wife, Joan; children, Christopher, Bruce (Paula) and Jeanine Dahl; grandchildren, Andrew and Ian Dahl and Sam Carlson; and 11 nieces and nephews.

The family thanks Essentia Health Hospice for their care in Paul’s final days, which allowed him to remain at home where he wanted to be.

Visitation to be held at 10:00 AM on Thursday, Oct. 5th at Sunrise Funeral Home, 4798 Miller Trunk Hwy, with Celebration of Life to follow at 11:00 AM.

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