Patrick J Carlson

Patrick John Carlson, 61, of St. James, died July 7, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at 2:00 PM, at Sturm Funeral Home in Saint James with visitation one hour prior to the service. Arrangements are with Sturm Funeral Home in St. James. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.

Patrick John Carlson was born on December 26, 1964, to Richard and Janice (Smith) Carlson in Mankato, Minnesota. They lived in West Sveadahl and Nicollet before moving to St. James in 1969.

He enjoyed boating and swimming at Long Lake, bike riding, snowmobiling, sports and playing games, in his younger years.

Patrick graduated from St. James High School in 1983. He married Risa Ankeny and they raised three children, Jamison, Jacob, and Rianna.

In 1983, Patrick started working at Northern Sign Contractors with his dad. Later, Patrick moved with his family to Nebraska and worked at 3M National Advertising. His final destination was working at Sign Art in Mendota Heights.

Patrick’s career was working as a billboard sign installer and a serviceman. He also built and serviced on premise signs with Sign Art. Patrick also serviced neon signs and climbed 150 feet in the air to receive high pay. He loved his job.

Patrick was a loving and caring father. He deeply loved his family and enjoyed spending time with his children. They liked camping, swimming, and traveling to State Parks.

You could find him always working on cars in his garage. He also worked on antique cars with his dad. Patrick’s favorite car was the Pontiac GTO.

His family and friends will remember Patrick’s sense of humor, quick wit and positive attitude. He also loved listening to music.

Throughout the years Patrick encountered four different types of cancer. Treatment was difficult but Patrick never complained. He fought a courageous battle with his cancer until his life was ended.

Patrick is survived by his children, Jamison Carlson, Jakob Carlson, and Rianna Carlson; father, Richard Carlson; siblings, Jody Carlson and Robbe Carlson; nieces, Jessica (Aaron Greco) Carlson and Holly Carlson; great nephews, Bowen and Baker Greco; and great niece, Aspen Greco.

Patrick was preceded in death by his mother, Janice; grandparents, John “Seldon” and Edith “Josephine" Carlson and Henry “Pat” and Bessie Smith; and many aunts, uncles and other relatives.