Mr. Charles John Carlson peacefully died on January 7th, 2017 in Dallas, Texas at the age of 77. Charles (CJ) was born on April 27th, 1939 in St. James, Minnesota to Harry and Stella Carlson. After growing up and working a farm in Butterfield, Minnesota, he graduated from Mankato State in 1961 with a business degree. Soon thereafter, he began his career in the United Stated Navy. His tour of duties included Vietnam and numerous other deployments stateside and abroad. CJ retired in 1981 as a Lieutenant Commander. CJ took pride in donating blood to Carter Blood Care (over 30 gallons collected), playing games, and traveling to visit friends and family.

CJ was preceded in death by both parents Harry and Stella Carlson, his only brother Wallace Carlson, and two infant siblings. CJ is survived by his loving and dedicated wife Jacqueline Carlson of nearly 52 years; his two daughters, Christine Carlson Miller (Michael) of Fort Worth, Texas, and Alisa Carlson of Garland, Texas; one granddaughter Emily Gapinski (Tim) of San Antonio, Texas; two sisters, Harriett "Corki" Carlson Luker (Bob) of San Jose del Cabo, Mexico, and Annette Carlson Schipp of Mankato, Minnesota; sister in law Gladys Carlson of St. James, Minnesota; one niece and goddaughter Diane Carlson of Otsego, Minnesota; four nephews, Ricky Carlson of Cosmos, Minnesota, Randy Carlson of Stewartville, Minnesota, Nathan Ocean of Chicago, Illinois, and Andrew Schipp of Minneapolis, Minnesota; and multiple cousins in Minnesota and Iowa.

A funeral service is scheduled for 2PM on Tuesday, January 10th, 2017 at Emanuel Lutheran Church at 4311 San Jacinto Street Dallas, Texas 75204. A viewing will precede the service at 1PM. Immediately following the service, in true Minnesotan tradition, a light repast will be served including chocolate cake (CJ’s favorite!) All are welcome to share the Lord's Supper.

In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in CJ's name to either Carter Blood Care or the Emanuel Community Center: Emanuel Lutheran Church's outreach including a weekly food pantry, an angel tree at Christmas, a back to school carnival, and a Spanish speaking NA meeting place.