It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Harold LeRoy Carlson. Harold (Harry, Big Harold, Pops) passed away at his home on Wednesday, April 24th, 2024, at the age of 88. He was born in Ceylon, Minnesota, to Ethel and Clarence Carlson on January 24th, 1936, in the midst of a blizzard. While in labor with Harold, his mother had to take a sleigh ride 2 1/2 miles to reach a car for another 9-mile trip to the hospital. She said it was all worth it.
Harold grew up in Dunnell, Minnesota, where he attended grade school. He graduated from Sherburn High School and then graduated from Macalester College in 1957 with a degree in Economics.
In 1958 he met the love of his life, Jeanette Tobkin, on a blind date. They married in 1961 and raised nine children together. Besides serving in the Army, Harold worked for the Department of Public Examiner, a public accounting firm, and the Minnesota Department of Unemployment Security. In 1964 he started as an IRS Revenue Officer, his role until retiring after 31 years in early 1996. Harold was a member of St. Pius X Church and Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed his bowling league and softball league games. He was well known for spinning his pitches, frustrating numerous batters. He and Momma took their kids on 2-3 week summer vacations with well-planned itineraries. He enjoyed the 2005 family cruise to the Caribbean, but his “best vacation ever” was to Europe in 1996 with Momma and no kids.
Harold leaves behind his nine children: Barbara (Jim Gorghuber), Bernard (Jackie), Monica (Phil Araoz), Edward (Kimberly), Victoria, Linda (Jim McGuire), Deanna (Jim Jacobson), Vincent (Stephanie), and Rebecca (Steve Soh). He is also survived by 18 grandchildren (Kyndra, Melissa, Daulton, Grant, Jillian, Tobias, Evelyn, Eli, Daniel, Kiera, Luke, Sophia, Anders, Colbey, Ezekiel, Cameron, Sabrina, and Solana) and several nieces and nephews.
Harold was preceded in death by numerous farm cats named after his beloved Brooklyn Dodgers, his parents, his wife Jeanette in 2010, his brother Ron, and his schnoodle sidekick Cocoa, whom he adopted in 1995 and with whom he took many walks along Cascade Creek.
Family and friends will be gathering in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home on Thursday, May 2, 2024, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will take place at St. Pius X Church in Rochester, Minnesota on Friday, May 3, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. with a visitation one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery. To honor his memory, donations are suggested to St. Pius X Church or to Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life Education Fund.
Harold leaves us with numerous fond memories, especially his special rendition of “The Three Little Pigs.” When asked for some fatherly advice, he replied, “Always come home at night, take your family on vacation, and let your kids swim.” His words to live by: “Avoid left turns and hang by your thumbs.” Dad, you were our personal tax expert, human calculator, and our Big Dad. You are loved and missed. Godspeed…until we meet again.
Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com.
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