Ralph Carlson

Ralph Carlson passed away on January 25, 2023 at the age of 91. Ralph was born July 3, 1931 in
Bristol Connecticut to Karl Einar and Sarah Marie Carlson. Ralph was the middle child, the oldest Milton Carlson
and the youngest Robert Carlson. Ralph married June Nelson in 1955, June passed away in 2012.
Ralph married Virginia Matheny in 2015, Virginia passed away in 2021. Ralph was studious and
detailed. He studied the Bible, commentaries, and many scholars. He loved to read. He was a
dedicated follower of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He was a member of Calvary Baptist Church
in St Paul MN. Ralph was a very diverse and eclectic person of hobbies and interests. Those
interests included photography (especially documenting family and events), firearms / shooting,
ham radio, weather, hands on mechanical repairs and construction, animal farming / gardening, and
history (especially political, aviation, WWII, and biblical). His greatest love was for his family. Ralph
graduated from Bethel University (St Paul MN) with a degree in History and Education. Ralph also
earned a Masters of Divinity from Bethel Theological Seminary. Ralph was a High School Teacher of
History at Clinton WI, and the Audio Visual Director and Photography teacher at Eau Claire
Memorial. He developed 8 mm and 16 mm film for the basketball and football coaches in the
surrounding area. Ralph is survived by his youngest brother, Robert Carlson, son Andrew (Janet)
Carlson of St Paul MN, daughters Sarah (Richard) Gobrecht of Findlay OH and Elizabeth (Peter)
Rekstad of Lake Elmo MN, eleven Grandchildren and four Great Grandchildren. He was preceded in
death by wives June and Virginia, son Ralph Carlson Jr, brother Milton Carlson and Granddaughter
Samara Rekstad. Services will be held February 8, 2023 at Calvary Baptist Church in St Paul MN.
Darrell Benhardis will be officiating the service.