Robert Carlson, 57

Robert Alan Carlson, 57, of Lincoln, Nebraska and formerly of Alexandria, returned to his Heavenly Father on September 21, 2010 after a courageous battle with brain cancer at the VA Hospital in Grand Island, Nebraska.

Robert was born June 12, 1953 in Alexandria, the third and youngest child of Alvin and Ruby (Stevenson) Carlson.

The family lived on a farm near Kensington until 1957 when Robert’s parents discontinued farming. They eventually moved into the Kensington area where in 1972 Robert graduated from Kensington High School. After that, following in his father’s footsteps, he served in the United States Army until January 1975. He was a mechanic in the transport division and served at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri and in Korea.

After leaving the military he attended a junior college, studying electronics. He then found work in the construction of trailer houses and hog barns. He also spent two autumns, about 1982 and 1983, helping with the sugar beet harvest in Crookston.

About 1984, he joined the circus that was in Grand Forks, North Dakota. It toured through southern Minnesota and when it came to Lincoln, Nebraska he left the circus. He then was employed at the Klein Grocery Chain. Lincoln was his last permanent address until seeking cancer treatment in Grand Island in May of 2010.

He is survived by four nephews, Torrey (MaryAnn) Wagner of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Bryce, Bryan and Josiah Wagner of Crookston; one niece, Karissa Wagner of Crookston; a grand-niece, Sophia Wagner, and a grand-nephew, Gavin Wagner, both of Albuquerque; and his brother-in-law, Leslie Wagner, of Crookston.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Alvin and Ruby Carlson; sister, Linda Diane Wagner; and an infant sister, Janice Arlene Carlson.

A memorial service was held October 22 at Anderson Funeral Home Chapel in Alexandria with the Rev. John LeVahn officiating. Darlene Steiger, Betty Bjurlin and LaVerne Olson provided the music.

Inurnment was held at Barrett Covenant Cemetery in Barrett. Military honors were accorded by the American Legion Post 87, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 936 and the Minnesota National Guard Honors.

Arrangements are with Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria; www.andersonfuneral.net.

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