"My deepest sympathy to Donnie\'s family...He was a fun guy to be around at HHS back in the years...Small towns everyone knew /knows everyone...and he had many many friends and school mates at HHS...Rest in Peace Donnie..."
In loving memory of
Donnie Carlson
July 26, 1944 - January 30, 2021
Donald "Donnie" Edwin Carlson, 76, of Houston died Saturday, January 30, 2021 at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse, following a recent illness. Donnie was born July 26, 1944 in La Crosse to Edwin and Marie (Ellefson) Carlson. He played Hurricane football, basketball, and baseball and graduated from Houston High School in 1962. Following high school Donnie proudly served in the U.S. Army where he was stationed in the Dominican Republic. He married Julie Thompson and later divorced. He then married Jean Molling and later divorced. Donnie lived in Houston his entire life and worked as a skilled carpenter, owning and operating Carlson Construction for many years. He was proud of his many work projects throughout Houston and the surrounding area and enjoyed pointing them out with a story or two to his family and friends.
Donnie was a faithful fan of all Minnesota sports teams and any team playing against the Packers. He was a life-long member of the Houston American Legion Post. Donnie enjoyed deer hunting with "The 5 D's" and taking his grandsons out driving to look for deer in the fields. His family and the Houston community meant the world to him.
Survivors include his daughter April Carlson of La Crescent, grandsons Aidan and Easton, son Christopher (Katherine) Carlson of Chaska, grandsons Jackson and Benjamin, and his step-children Lori McKenzie and Casey Virock, and step-grandson Ian Virock. He was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings, Jackie, Charlie, Marilyn, Allen, and Emma.
A celebration of Donnie's life will take place at a later date when all those who loved him can safely share memories and stories together and toast a cold Miller Lite in his honor. Donnie will be laid to rest 1 p.m., February 19, 2021 at Minnesota Veteran's Cemetery in Preston, led by Pastor Linda McPeak. Military Honors will be conducted.
Hoff Funeral of Houston is assisting the family with arrangements. Please share a memory of Donnie at his online guestbook at www.hofffuneral.com.
Tributes
"My deepest sympathy to all of Donnie\'s family and friends. Donnie and I were in the same class in school ?, from 1st grade. He was a fun guy and always happy ?"
"Our sympathy to the Carlson family, Donnie was a good person and a good friend Rick and Karen Woods"
"I am very sorry to read about Donnie\'s passing. We last saw him at the Houston Legion, of course. That was over a year ago,before Jerry, my husband became ill. Jerry passed in December and willl be at Preston Veteran\'s Cemetery too but later in spring, I believe he, Donnie and Dick Dittman are toasting in the Great Beyond. I know Donnie had various health issues over the years and now is at rest in eternal peace and perpetual light. . May your fond memories give you comfort. "
"I have such fun memories of our childhood growing up together. We really had some good times together. You will be missed!! Rest in peace. "
"I?m so very sorry to hear of Donnie?s passing. I always enjoyed a conversation with him when I waited on him at the La Crescent American Legion and then most recently when I would see him at Swing Bridge Pub. I will miss you friend!! I hope you get the best seat in the house!!!"
"RIP classmate! I will always remember your great smile & since of humor whenever we met! Sympathies to the family. "
"Have known Donnie my whole life and am so glad I had the opportunity to joke with him just a day before he passed... love to all of you!!! Teesh "
"A good father and grandpa....we co-parented and co-grandparented and put our differences behind us. A huge loss to April and the boys and many others who cared about him. Julie Thompson-Hakes"
"My sympathy to Donnie?s family. He was always friendly to everyone! He will be missed. "
"April and Christopher, our hearts are saddened by the passing of your father. We have known Donnie for many many years are have an equal number of memories. Rest assured he is in a good place now surrounded by family and friends and probably playing either rap poker or pinochle or just enjoying a beer with Dennis. Donnie will be missed by all who knew him."