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SLAYTON -- Don Carlson was born on November 3, 1944, in Tyler, Minnesota to Walter and Ruth Stafne Carlson. He grew up on the family farm near Lake Wilson, MN and graduated from Lake Wilson High School in 1962. Don started farming as a teenager in 1964 with his brother north of Lake Wilson after their father's death. In the late 1960's Don moved to a farm northeast of Slayton and continued his farming operation, raising crops and livestock. On February 5, 1988, he and Judy Gustaf Ahrens were married in Worthington, MN. Following their marriage, they continued making their home on Don's farm northeast of Slayton. Don sold the last of his cattle in 2003, and in 2020 Don retired. Due to failing health Don moved to Our House Hospice Home on July 6, 2026. He passed away there on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at the age of 81. He was a member of St. Ann's Church in Slayton where he served on the Finance Council. In the 1980's Don served on the Land Bank Board and in the early 2000's Don was a major contributor in trying to save the Slayton Sale Barn. Don enjoyed spending time with his family and grandchildren, farming, car shows, especially Back to the 50's, visiting with new and old friends, telling stories, and the long Carlson goodbye.
Survivors include his wife, Judy Carlson of Slayton, MN, four children, Wade Carlson of Buffalo, MN, Wyatt Carlson of Slayton, MN, Allisen Jagow and her husband, Cody of Westbrook, MN, and Kevin Ahrens and his wife, Kari of Jackson, MN, five grandchildren, Emma and Owen Carlson, Avery and Charlie Jagow and Carter Ahrens, one brother, Duane Carlson and his wife, Lynn of Balaton, MN, one sister in law, Almie Carlson of Marshfield, WI, and many nieces and nephews and their families. He is preceded in death by his parents, and two brothers, Roger Carlson and Dale Carlson.
Funeral Services will be held at St. Ann's Church in Slayton, MN on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. with Fr. Peter Schuster officiating. The pianist is Patty LeClaire. The song leader is Matt Kopperud. The pallbearers are Carter Ahrens, Owen Carlson, Ryan Flathers, Gene Gustaf, Doug Schmitz, and Dan Schmitz. The honorary pallbearers are Gerry McCord, Denny Johnson, Terry Smith, Gordy Opdahl, Kevin Wynia, Jim Kluis and Gary Schmidt. Interment is St. Ann's Cemetery in Slayton, MN.
Visitation will be on Tuesday at St. Ann's Church in Slayton from 4-6 p.m. and one hour prior to the services at the church on Wednesday. Totzke Funeral Home of Slayton is entrusted with arrangements. To send condolences visit totzkefuneralhome.com