Obituary of Merlin Oscar Carlson

Merlin Oscar Carlson, age 84, resident of Duluth, MN, passed away November 10, 2021, at home peacefully with his loving family by his side.

Merlin was born to Oscar and Janet (Unger) Carlson of Strandquist, MN, on the family farm, January 8, 1937.

Upon graduation from high school, he joined the Air Force along with some of his high school classmates. He was trained and served as a dental technician while on active duty, stationed in Anchorage, Alaska. After an honorable discharge he continued his dental technician career as a civilian in the Twin Cities. He then moved to Duluth, MN and took a dental technician position locally. After several years he decided to join the 148FW Air National Guard in Duluth, MN where he was a dental technician and then moved into the position of medical clinic supervisor. He retired after 24 years in January 8, 1997. He took a year off and then worked for his brother-in-law doing construction. After that he went back to college and attended the University of St. Scholastica for two years and learned computer technology. He then took a computer administrator position at the Environment Protection Agency in Duluth and finally retired after 21 years there.

On December 20, 1969 Merlin married Marlene J. (Brandt) of Duluth, MN. They were married for 52 years. He enjoyed family and friends throughout his lifetime.

He enjoyed hunting, Vikings football, UMD Bulldog Hockey, four-wheeling, motorcycles, stock car racing, camping, fishing, snowmobiling, technology, country-western music, polka, and wildlife. Especially feeding and watching the birds in his backyard.

Merlin is survived by his brother Donald Carlson (Karlstad, MN), children David Vogel (Springfield MO), Kathleen (Vogel) Adams (Duluth, MN), sister in law Carol (Brandt) Ruse (Duluth, MN), brother in law John P. (Carolyn) Brandt (Anchorage, AK), sister in law Marilyn Carlson (Minneapolis, MN), sister in law Shari Carlson (Minneapolis, MN). 10 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his wife, two brothers and his parents.

There will be a celebration of Merlin’s life on November 23, 2021, from 2:00-5:00 pm, at the Cremation Society of Minnesota, 4100 Grand Avenue, Duluth, MN 55807.