Larry Harvey Carlson

Larry H. Carlson, age 78, of Parkers Prairie, died surrounded by his family on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at Bethany on the Lake in Alexandria.

Funeral services are 11 a.m., on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at Esther Lutheran Church in Eastern Township, rural Parkers Prairie with Rev. Greg Billberg presiding.  Music is provided by Marcia Guenther. Interment will take place at the church cemetery.

 Visitation will take place 4-6 p.m., on Friday at Lind Family Funeral Home in Parkers Prairie and will continue one hour prior to the service at the church. 

Larry Harvey was born on April 22, 1946, to Carl and Pauline (Lindquist) Carlson in Alexandria. He grew up in Rose City and attended District #51 Country School and Alexandria Public Schools. Larry took over the family farm at a young age due to his father’s ill health. He was baptized as an adult at Faith Lutheran Church in Miltona on August 23, 1970, by Pastor Eugene Schipper. Larry was united in marriage to Sharon Hemquist on May 1, 1971, at First Lutheran Church in Parkers Prairie. They began their married life on the Carlson family farm in Rose City where he continued to crop and dairy farm. To this union, three children were born, Andrea, Amy, and Justin. In addition to farming, Larry owned and operated a custom sawmill providing lumber to many customers in the area. During winter months, Larry enjoyed driving his mules, Jack & Jenny offering sleigh rides for family, neighbors, and church friends on the first Sunday of each month. Larry and a neighbor started Rose City Threshing Festival in August of 1972. He retired from farming in 1987, rented his dairy barn to local farmers and then worked carpentry with Delton Melzer for many years. Larry also sold cucumbers for canning from his pickle patch. His family moved into Parkers Prairie following the death of his son, Justin in 1996. He was a member of Esther Lutheran Church and served on its board and council, and cleaned the church with his wife Sharon, for 17 years. Larry loved spending time with his wife and family, especially his grandsons and great-granddaughters. He enjoyed polka music and watching Wheel of Fortune and the Price is Right. He will long be remembered for his sense of humor and quick wit.

 He was preceded in death by his parents; son Justin in 1996; grandson Caleb in 2022; three sisters, Evelie, Elaine, and Ruth; brother-in-law Jim Akey; and sister-in-law Kathleen Carlson.

Larry is survived by his wife of 53 years, Sharon; two daughters, Andrea Carlson of Carlos and Amy (Jon) Jewell of Parkers Prairie; three sisters, Wanda Akey of Grand Junction, Colorado, Judy (Alex) Pachan of Buffalo and Mavonne Nelson of Chaska; brother Morley Carlson of Miltona; grandson Cody (Emmaly) Rokes of St. Cloud; three great-granddaughters, Harper, Zenna and Kalea; many nieces and nephews; and his faithful canine companion Missy.

 Pallbearers are Jon Jewell, Cody Rokes, Rob Pachan, Rick Pachan, Gaylen Weisenburger, and Don Doble.