Robert Duane Carlson

Robert Duane Carlson was born April 28, 1955 in Slayton, MN to Roy and Lorraine (Schaffer) Carlson and grew up on a farm near Lake Shetek. He graduated from Tracy High School in 1973. In 1974 he enlisted in the US Marine Corps where his first mission was to assist in the evacuation of Siagaon at the end of the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged in 1978. In 1980 he graduated second in his class from Jackson Vo-Tech for auto body. For nine years he ran a body shop in Mountain lake. For the 10 years following, he worked at The Toro Company. After this he returned to his passion of auto body work and was self-employed at the time of his death. His attention to meticulous details and the work he did were second to none. In 1981 he married Mary Jo Heiderscheidt in Tracy, MN. Together they had a daughter, Bobby Jo Nickel, a son Bill Carlson and a daughter, Brandy Schwartz. They lived in Springfield, MN for four years and later made their permanent home in Mountain Lake. In 1991, he experienced the Lord's calling and made Jesus his Savior. His family could always count on him to come to the rescue for their car troubles and moral support. Having family members and friends stop by to see him, brought him joy, and he often found goodies to offer. He loved fast cars and drove stock car in Slayton, MN for a couple years. He also enjoyed target shooting, car shows and going to auctions. He died unexpectedly in his home on August 4, 2016 at the age of 61. He is survived by his children Bobby Jo (Josh) Nickel and their children Peter and Jacob; Bill Carlson (Robin Songkahm); Brandy (Ryan) Schwartz and their children Elijah, Thomas, Natalie, and William. As well as his former wife Mary Jo Carlson, brothers Tom (Shirley), Jim, Fran (Sandy), John (Lori), Joel, Mike (Melissa) and sisters Kathy (Doug) Bloemke, Paulette (Joe) Stefanick, Camilla (Jim) Schmidt, Marlene (Rob) Morgan and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his infant son Nicholas, parents, 2 nephews and a niece. His powerful personality touched many lives. He was called home to a beautiful place of rest and peace sooner than expected, and will be dearly missed. Visitation 1 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm Thursday, August 18, 2016 Alliance Missionary Church-Mt Lake 809 - 5th Avenue Mountain Lake, Minnesota, United States 56159 Service Information 1:00 pm Thursday, August 18, 2016 Alliance Missionary Church-Mt Lake 809 - 5th Avenue Mountain Lake, Minnesota, United States 56159