John E. Carlson

After 86 years of contributions to make a better world, John Edward Carlson died peacefully at home in Hastings, Minnesota on Thursday, February 11, 2016. John is survived by his wife, Rita Mae; four children, Loreen Fried, Carol (Ron) Dahl, William (Muriel) Carlson and John W. (Jean) Carlson; 11 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren; six brothers, Ray (Ruth), Charles (Sherrie), Richard (Irma), Ronald, Keith (Rose) and Jerome (Sharon) Carlson; as well as many nieces and nephews. John was born in Hastings to Frank and Grace (Dunkel) Carlson on August 15, 1929, and was the fifth of 11 children. His early life and education included dropping out of kindergarten at age five, graduating from Etter Teck in Etter, MN and graduating from Hastings High School. His work career included construction and start-up of the Prairie Island Nuclear Power Plant, operation of oil refineries, manufacturing of heavy equipment, manufacturing of small equipment, maintenance at the Hastings State Hospital and farming. Johns most well-known talent was the ability to sing and play the guitar. He performed with various polka and country bands in Colorado and Minnesota for over a 50 year period, with gigs at dances, weddings and senior living homes. Two of his most requested songs were "The Day I Jumped from Earl Almquists Plane" and "The Second Week of Deer Camp". He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters Marie Prentice and Frances Hicks; brothers Allen and Leonard "Boomer" Carlson; also his infant son, James Keith. Celebration of Life and Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11 AM Thursday, February 18, 2016 at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 2035 West Fifteenth St., Hastings with Fr. David Hennen officiating. Visitation will be held from 5 8 PM Wednesday, February 17, at the Caturia-Smidt Funeral Home Cremation Services, 201 East Seventh Street, Hastings and Thursday one hour prior to the Mass at church.