Clifford Carlson

Clifford Duane “Dewey” Carlson died February 26, 2007 in Bethany Homes. He was born in Fargo, ND on July 21, 1928, to Clifford Ordean and Hazel (Gordon) Carlson. He graduated from Fargo Central High School in 1946, after which he attended NDAC, where he was a member of the ROTC. On May 29, 1948, he married Virginia M. Loomis of Fargo in Elim Lutheran Church. A daughter, Jacqueline was born in 1951 and another daughter, Constance was born in 1954. Dewey began working at the Ed Schum Pontiac Co. part time when he was in high school and continued his employment there until 1950. At that time, he joined his father, Cliff Carlson, in the service station business. They operated Tenth Street Texaco for several years and then took over the “U” Drive Conoco, which they operated until the late 70’s. Duane was later employed by Heritage Motorcar Co. and Selland Pontiac. He retired in 1995, and spent the next five years working for Valley Bus Company as an aide on the school bus for special ed children. Due to the development of Alzheimer’s Disease, he had to leave that job and in May of 2002, he became a resident of the nursing home. Dewey’s lifelong interests were art and music. He was a master leather-tooler and made many award-winning articles. As a member of both Elim and Messiah, Dewey sang in the church choirs and men’s chorus for over 50 years. Duane is survived by his wife of over 58 years, Virginia; his daughters, Jackie Carlson, Fargo, ND and Connie (Tim) Kirchoff, Andover, MN; a sister, Diane (Thorval) Stensgard, Fargo, ND; a sister-in-law, Ann Carlson, Fargo, ND; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Erlyn Carlson; and a niece, Vicki Samis. Funeral Service: Friday, March 2, 2007, at 2 PM, at Messiah Lutheran Church, Fargo, ND. Visitation: One hour prior to the service at the church. Burial: Riverside Cemetery, Fargo, ND.