Wayne "Art" Arthur Carlson

Art's Memorial Service will be streamed here: https://vimeo.com/447481917

Wayne Arthur (Art) Carlson, 87, of Fargo, ND died on February 5th, 2020 at Bethany Retirement Living.

Art was born in Fargo to Evald and Antoinette (Hadrava) Carlson in Fargo, ND. He was baptized and confirmed at First Lutheran Church, Fargo, ND. Art attended schools in Fargo and graduated from Oak Grove Lutheran School in 1950 where he sang in the choir, played football and basketball. He attended North Dakota Agricultural College (NDAC), Fargo.

In 1951 Art enlisted in the United States Air Force, beginning a 22 year career which took him to many bases in the U.S. and foreign countries, including Germany, Japan, and Greenland.

In December of 1953, he married his high school sweetheart, Arlene Myers in Fargo, ND. They made their first home in Furstenfeldbruck AFB, Germany where their son David was born. Their daughter Rebecca (Becky) was born at Ellsworth AFB, SD.

Art was proud of his career in the Air Force, retiring with the rank of Chief Master Sergeant. He was twice awarded the Meritorious Service Medal and the Air Force Commendation Medal for outstanding service. He became a member of many military retiree organization, including the Air Force Association (AFA), American Legion, The Retired Enlisted Association (TREA), and the Armed Forces Top Enlisted Association (AFTEA). Upon retirement in 1973, Art worked briefly in real estate sales and with the Fargo Post Office. Later he was employed by Northwestern Bell Telephone Company in Fargo in marketing and continued until 1984 when he transferred to AT&T. He retired from his second career in 1987.

Art enjoyed traveling with his wife and children. His military lifestyle put them in the vicinity of many interesting and historic places in the United States and overseas. He tried his best to have them see and experience as much as possible. Simple pleasures like tent camping and fishing with his family and father, brothers, and nephews were also big events in his life. After retiring from the Air Force, Art & Arlene lived on Turtle Lake in Minnesota for 41 years. For many years, Art & Arlene hosted the annual Carlson Labor Day Weekend BBQ at the lakes. He enjoyed photography and his ever-present camera captured the moments with his family and friends.

Art was a member of Lake Park Lutheran Church, served on the church council and was a faithful member of the church choir. He served as President of the Cormorant Lions Club, President of the Turtle Lake Improvement Association, was a member of the Oak Grove Lutheran School GROVER Club, and Concordia College C-440 Club. He was a charter member of the Lake Park Area Community Choir, which performed annual Christmas Cantatas for the benefit of local charities. He was also a member of the Cormorant Singers, a men’s sextet that sang at local churches and senior citizens centers for many years.

Art is survived by son, David (Betty), Albuquerque, NM and daughter, Becky (Wayne) Solberg, Bismarck, ND and grandson Ryan Solberg, Fargo, ND. He is also survived by his brothers, E. John (Brenda), Fargo, ND, and Stephen (Joyce), Frazee, MN, and sister, Mary (Curt) Hakanson, Oxbow, ND. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Arlene, and his brother, Robert.