Curtis M. Carlson

Curtis (Curt) Martin Carlson, 83, passed away peacefully at Colony Court (Foxdale) Memory Care in Waseca, MN on March 16, 2025.

Curt was born on October 19, 1941 to Vernon and Lorraine (Cummins) Carlson. Curt attended District 13 Country School, Waseca Central High School and graduated from the Southern School of Agriculture in 1959. Following he joined the Army National Guard and later attended Mankato State University where he met the love of his life, Gladys (Santi). They married January 16, 1965. In 1967, they purchased and moved to live on the farm that was established in 1872 by Curt’s grandfather O.M. (Ole Martin) Carlson and have ever since. They raised their two children, Sara Jane and Glen Martin on the farm.

Curt’s passion was raising and showing Morgan horses that carried the bloodline of grandfather O.M.’s Morgans. Curt’s pride and joy was building his small cow-calf operation into a rotational grazing system. He had an observable kindness and compassion when he worked with the animals. They trusted him. He was like the “pied piper.” They recognized his voice and his “grungy” clothes.

Curt was the friendliest, down to earth type of guy—loved to talk and always had a rather infectious smile, was a bit of a prankster and tease with a twinkle in his eye. He often did the “Minnesota Goodbye.” If you came to visit or help with farm work and Curt was the cook for lunch, it would be a concoction of Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup with whatever was found in the refrigerator to mix in. This was his specialty! He enjoyed his family, friends and neighbors. He especially adored his grandchildren (grand- and great-).

In addition to being a farmer, he was a Boilermaker in Local 647 out of Minnesota. He would be called for repairs at oil refineries, pipelines, etc. around the country—Oklahoma, Kansas, North Dakota and Indiana to name a few. One job that stands out was being a part of the team to lower the golden horses from the top of Minnesota State Capital for repair.

Curt was a life-long member of North Waseca Lutheran Church that sits on top of a hill in the country. Over the years, he served as president, trustee and ready to serve wherever and whenever there was a need. He cared about the church family.

Curt is survived by his devoted wife Gladys of over 60 years; their children Sara Lewer, Glen (Cindy) Carlson; grandchildren, Margaret (Avery) McNeal, Katharine (Zeke) Erickson, Winston (Brittany) Carlson, James (Shelby) Carlson, Benjamin Lewer; great-grandchildren, Adeline Mae McNeal, Jameson Martin McNeal, Weston Martin Carlson; sisters, Donna Fostveit, Sharon “Duetz” Mederios, Terri (Russel) Ingram, Debra Chambers; sister-in-law, Verna (Barry) Sather; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, close friends and friends. Curt was preceded in death by his parents, parents-in-law, sister: Bette “Punk” Karsten, brothers-in law: Nels Fostveit, Marco Mederios, and Richard “Dick” Chambers, Jr.

A special thank you to cousin Cindy Jewison, Foxdale Memory Care staff, Kya Haala of Pathstone Memory Care and Ecumen Hospice for care and assistance provided.

Visitation will be held on Friday, March 28, 2025 from 4-7 PM at the Third Street Chapel of Dennis-Steffel-Omtvedt Funeral and Cremation Service in Waseca. Visitation will continue on Saturday, one hour before services at the church.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 29, 2025 at 2:00 PM at North Waseca Lutheran Church with Pastor Sarah Krolak officiating. Private family burial will be at the North Waseca Lutheran Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to North Waseca Lutheran Church, Mayo Clinic Alzheimer’s Research or donor’s choice.