David Carlson

10-27-1939 to 01-29-2023

David was born to Charles “Bernice” Carlson and Lenora (Pearson) Carlson in Essex, IA. David attended all twelve years of school in Essex, where he was active in playing trumpet in band, singing in choir and the men’s quartet, took part in drama productions and was recognized in his junior year as being “The Most Talented Boy.” David also participated in 4H and the Boy Scouts and was an active member in the Essex Covenant Church, where he performed in many of the church’s musical events. Summer jobs included working with local farmers detasseling corn and other field work and working for the local garden nursery, Earl May. Working himself through college, David attended two years at Clarinda Junior College and finished with a Teaching Certification for Science in 1964 from NWMO Teachers College in Maryville, MO.

David’s first 10 years of teaching began in Ocheydan, IA. During that time, a pretty bank teller (Margaret Pesek) gave him $10 too much when he was cashing his paycheck. Always honest, David went back to correct her mistake and ended up marrying her on June 8th, 1968. To this union, two daughters were born: Rachel Marie (Stillborn,1970) and Ann Margaret (1971).

In 1974, wishing for a change of pace, David moved with Margaret and Ann to Bemidji, MN where he worked as an Assistant Manager and head of Landscaping for the Midway Garden Center. David went back to college in 1980 at Bemidji State University and expanded his teaching credentials to include majors in both Chemistry and Physics. He then returned to teaching in 1984, first in Humboldt, MN, and then Kittson Central in Hallock, MN, for a total of 19 years, ending his teaching career in 2002. His students refered to him fondly as “Doc” and repeatedly voted him as their favorite teacher. Many students stopped by to visit him after he retired.

During his time in Humboldt, David lost his wife Margaret in 1989 due to complications from her life-long battle with diabetes. Several years later, David found love again with a smart nursing professor (Sandy Benson) at UND in Grand Forks and they were married on May 22, 1993. A few years later, David and Sandy retired to a beautiful lake home they built on Lake Lida in Pelican Rapids, MN and enjoyed cruises and traveling trips from Hawaii and Alaska to Italy and Scandinavia. Together they wintered for 11 years in Texas and volunteered for 10 summers in Medora, ND. David and Sandy enjoyed a total of 16 years on the lake before moving to Fargo, ND to One Oak Senior Living and later to Bethany Retirement Community.

David is preceded in death by his father Bernice (Charles), his first wife Margaret, Sister Judith Ann, Step-Sister Connie Hai Almquist and stillborn daughter Rachel. He is survived by his second wife, Sandy Benson, his daughter Ann and her husband Steven Streeter, grandson Blue Fischer, granddaughter Rachel Fischer, Step-grandson Samuel Streeter, 3 stepsons: Todd (Jenny) Eric (Holly) and Brett Benson (Colleen), 4 Step-grandchildren: Olivia, Sean (Lianna), Henry and Annalisa; Step-Sister Chris (Mark) Lemyre and mother Lenora Carlson.

David enjoyed gardening, reading, fishing, theology and bible study, model building, stamp collecting and was a long-time fan of reading western novels and watching all things Star Trek. In his younger years and again with wife Sandy, David enjoyed camping and long walks in the woods where he could be close to nature and appreciate God’s creation.

MEMORIAL SERVICE: 1:30 Saturday, February 4, 2023, at Olivet Lutheran Church in Fargo – with visitation one hour prior (live streamed on the funeral home website for those unable to attend)

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center in Fargo. To sign the online guest book, please visit our website at www.boulgerfuneralhome.com