Arthur Carlson

Arthur B. Carlson III

Age 67, passed peacefully at home on August 25 feeling so loved. Born on December 10, 1951, in Rolla, MO, lived in KS, spent most of his youth in Waseca, MN. A brilliant thinker and lifelong learner with wide-ranging interests including economics, theology, politics, education, mathematics, and physics. Typically a man of few words, he could talk at length about topics like these. As a CPA, financial expert, and entrepreneur, Art was respected for his wisdom and integrity, always looking for a win for all parties. He met his wife and love of his life, Sheila Hoffman, in 2000, first as a business associate and eventually his soulmate and his adored “person.” He was the CFO of Global Language Institute, which he owned with Sheila and dear friend Mary Guion. Throughout his life, Art genuinely endeavored to make the world a better place in big ways and small; he had so much more to offer but sadly just ran out of time. He was an amazing cook, a voracious reader and prolific writer, enjoyed photography, international travel, and flower gardening. Mostly, he loved the simple, beautiful life he and Sheila shared during their years together in their little house in St. Paul. In his six-year journey with cancer, he endured much, complained little, and did a whole lot of living. He was positive and hopeful to the end. Preceded in death by his father Arthur Carlson Jr. Loved and missed by Sheila; his mother Nina Carlson; his children: Sara Hemmesch (Karl), Arthur Carlson IV (Becky), Gwen Carlson, Alex McConnaughey (Adam), and Theo Hicks, each of whom he said expanded his capacity to love exponentially; grandchildren Zander, Mason, and Alexa Hemmesch and Jaron, Gavin, and Rowan Carlson; brothers Kurt (Jane) Carlson and Don Carlson (Shar Paquette); nieces and nephews; beloved in-laws; and friends old and new. He was humbled by all the love and care shown to him by so many these past years. He had such gratitude for the wonderful employees at GLI who kept things going so that he and Sheila could be together and especially for the medical care he received at Mayo Clinic. A celebration of his life will be held at Pilgrim Lutheran Church in St. Paul on Saturday, Sept. 7 at 11:00 am. Visitation at Pilgrim Friday 5-8 pm and one hour before the service. Arthur cared deeply about the environment and the oppressed and disadvantaged; in lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to organizations reflecting these values.