George August Carlson, 85, of Callaway, MN, passed away on March 29, 2026, after battling Parkinson’s disease.

He was born in Okanogan, Washington, on May 6, 1940, to George Hans Carlson and Dorothy (Pearson) Carlson.

George and Jeanette (Anderson) were married on February 29, 1959, in Fargo, ND. They built a life together, raising their sons, working hard, traveling, and sharing 67 years of marriage side by side.

George worked as a journeyman plasterer, a trade that took their family to California. He enjoyed taking his family camping and riding dirt bikes. His trade and traditions were passed on to his three sons. To this day, George continues to be credited as “the hardest working man I have ever met” by many men who worked with him over the years.

George, Jeanette, and their sons eventually moved back to the Detroit Lakes area, where George’s interests grew to include ranching. He found peace in watching his cattle and horses while embracing his inner cowboy. He related to the cowboy way of life with his strong faith, work ethic, and love of family.

George also loved being a grandpa—and a great-grandpa. There was never a dull moment when he was around, and he didn’t waste any time when it came to teasing. He was a big kid trapped in a grandpa’s body—except when he would outrun the kids, chasing them around the yard with his dentures out. When things got too quiet, he would ask one of two questions: “Can I crack your toes?” or “Do you want to take my socks off?”—to which he would generously compensate with his stash of $2 bills. There was no need for video games or technology because Grandpa George was all the entertainment you needed.

Grandpa George loved to get good laughs from the grandkids and a rise out of “Grandma Gigi,” which was equally as funny, by being inappropriate at the dinner table. He was also quick to belt out an authentic and eccentric melody, which he came up with on a dime. He truly was one of a kind.

George was preceded in death by his parents, George and Dorothy; his sisters, Beverly Moyer and Betty McDougall; his son, Douglas Carlson; and his granddaughter, Jennifer Carlson.

He is survived by his wife, Jeanette Carlson; his two brothers, Mark and Richard Carlson; his sons, Calvin (Liz) and Michael Carlson; his grandchildren, Heather (Cody) Carlson, Matthew (Julie) Carlson, Sara (Jason) Okeson, Bridget (Mark) Carlson, David (Madison) Carlson, and Jade (Taylor) Schock; and 18 great-grandchildren.

George touched countless lives in his 85 years. He will be deeply missed, fondly remembered, and his legacy will live on through his family, nieces and nephews, and many young men and women to whom he was a leader, a teacher, and a guide throughout his various endeavors in life.

A memorial service will be held Friday, April 24, with visitation starting at 10:00 a.m., the memorial service at 11:00 a.m., and lunch to follow, at the Detroit Lakes Seventh-day Adventist Church, 404 Richwood Road, Detroit Lakes, Minnesota.

A private interment will be held at Richwood Lakeside Cemetery.