Dennis Carlson

Dennis Lloyd Carlson, 79, of Cloquet, Minnesota, passed away peacefully surrounded with love May 30, 2024. He was born in Duluth, MN, and graduated from Denfeld Highschool class of 1964. Dennis went on to work, as his father did, for United States Steel (USS) completing a nearly 45-year career. He ended his career at (USS) Mintac in Mountain Iron, MN, where he fulfilled various positions. He decided to finally retire 2009. A few short years after retirement, Dennis began an eight-year battle with Inclusion Body Myositis among other autoimmune conditions that significantly impacted his day-to-day life. Undeniably a fighter, he was not alone, and even with seemingly endless resources at our fingertips, we still must write this.

Dennis loved his family, friends, and even acquaintances beyond words. He loved the outdoors: hunting, fishing (especially Great Lakes Fishing), and gardening. Many of his life-long friends were found at boat landings. He ran Grandma’s Marathon just short of 10 times. Later in life he filled up his heart and his Subaru wagon bringing fresh vegetables to food shelves and loved ones. You could see his smile from across town while he was doing this.

Dennis is preceded in death by his parents, Harvey and Elizabeth Carlson, Uncles, Lloyd (Marian), Carlson, and Richard Carlson, his cousin Douglas Carlson (Mary-Jo), and ex-wife Linda (Hillary) Hince. He is survived by his wife, Connie Carlson, and children Michael (Tammy) Carlson, Jessica (Scott) Kozar, and Elliot Carlson. Dennis had many grandchildren and great-grandchildren he loved very much.

He always lived a selfless life, in a world he loved and appreciated in every way. Despite times when he was incredibly ill it was no different. We want to thank all healthcare staff, friends, and family that took very good care of him.

The celebration of Dennis' life will be 11:00 am Wednesday, June 12 at ST. ANDREW'S LUTHERAN CHURCH, 900 Stillwater Road, Mahtomedi, with visitation one hour prior, and a lunch following. A livestream of the service can be viewed here