JOEL CARLSON

Joel “Joe” Herbert Carlson passed away on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at the St. Clare Living Community in Mora. He was 85 years old.

Joe was born on March 12, 1940, in Braham, Minnesota, to Herbert and Claribelle (Nebel) Carlson. Joe accepted Christ as his personal savior in his youth and was baptized at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Mora, MN. He attended Mora High School and graduated in 1958. His interests were music and sports. Joe played the trumpet in the band and enjoyed playing basketball, football, and baseball. He also sang in Letterman’s quartet. After high school, Joe attended St. Cloud State University.

Joe married Gertrude Kent, his high school sweetheart, on August 8, 1964, at Zion Lutheran Church in Mora. They were married for 61 years. Joe and Gert were blessed with two children, Amy and Steven.

Joe’s entire working career was spent in sales in differing capacities. He was a natural-born salesman. Joe thoroughly enjoyed meeting people, rarely forgetting a face or name. He was known for his quick wit and was a master of trivia. Joe and Gert made their home in various towns around Minnesota. They were always up for a challenge in building a new house and making that house their home.

Joe was involved in many organizations, but those that were closest to his heart were the Ramsey Youth Athletic Association, where he coached baseball to third and fourth graders, the Willmar Lake Association board, and he volunteered with Meals on Wheels. Additionally, he helped maintain the gardens at First Presbyterian Church and St. Clare’s. His interests throughout the years were hunting, fishing, gardening, golfing, and watching the Gophers, Wolves, and Vikings. Joe took great joy in planning family get-togethers, creating moments that were celebrated.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, his son Steven, and sister and brother-in-law Janet and Melvin Anderson.

He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Gert; his daughter, Amy (Jamie) Castle; grandchildren, JoMarie, Michael, and Jax; nieces, Teresa (Stephen) Brown and Karin (Robert) Goebel; and by many other relatives and friends.

Joe will be lovingly remembered for the fun and laughter he would bring to any occasion.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Kanabec County Kick Cancer to the Curb or a memorial of your choosing.

A Memorial Service was held at 11:00 am on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at the Mora First Presbyterian Church with Pastor Nick Mattei officiating.

Memorial Visitation was held 1 hour prior to the service at church.

A Graveside Service was on Monday, September 8, 2025, at 2:00 pm at the Stanchfield Baptist Cemetery.

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