John Calvin Carter

John Calvin Carter, age 78, of New York Mills, MN, formerly of Wadena, MN and Port Townsend, WA, passed away peacefully on February 14, 2026, at Sanford Medical Center in Fargo, ND, surrounded by the love of his family.

Honoring John’s wishes, cremation rites will be accorded. A celebration of life will be held on Friday, February 20, 2026, beginning at 11:00 a.m. at Karvonen Funeral Home in Wadena, MN. Public visitation will take place one hour prior to the service from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Wadena Cemetery, with a luncheon to follow at the funeral home. A live stream of the service will be available to watch directly on John's obituary page the day of the services. 

Born on February 15, 1947, in Minneapolis, MN, John was the son of Clifford and Frances (Flanery) Carter. He grew up in South Minneapolis alongside his seven siblings, forming close bonds that lasted a lifetime. He graduated from Roosevelt High School with the Class of 1965.

Following high school, John enlisted in the United States Navy on January 6, 1966. He was stationed at the Naval Reserve Manpower Center in Bainbridge, Maryland, and later at the U.S. Naval Station in Norfolk, Virginia. His final duty assignment was aboard the USS Guam. John served his country honorably until October 10, 1969, when he was honorably discharged.

After his military service, John attended Dunwoody Institute, where he earned a degree in drafting.

On June 2, 1970, John married Roberta Wiese. Though their marriage ended in 1991, they shared a lasting respect for one another and raised two children together, Jennifer and Chris, who remained the center of John’s world.

John had a gift for conversation. He could talk to anyone, anywhere, and somehow always ran into someone he knew. No one ever felt like a stranger around him. Those who dined with John knew his routine well—he almost always ordered “#2 on the menu,” no matter the restaurant.

Nothing mattered more to John than his family. He cherished time with his children and grandchildren and made sure to be present for family gatherings whenever possible. He loved fishing—whether freshwater fishing or spending time salmon and halibut fishing—and found peace in the quiet moments it offered. He also had a deep interest in genealogy and took great pride in tracing his family history back to the Civil War era.

While living in Washington, John found friendship and routine through a men’s coffee club in Port Townsend that met every week, a gathering he looked forward to and valued deeply. He also maintained lifelong friendships with his high school classmates, meeting them in Minneapolis on the first Saturday of every month.

A devoted reader, John especially enjoyed historical novels and nonfiction. Mill Lake in Alexandria was one of his favorite places to relax and reflect. Throughout his working life, he wore many hats—carpenter, construction worker, and self-employed craftsman. With his drafting background, he helped design and build homes for families, work he took quiet pride in.

Giving back was important to John. He was a member of the American Legion and, while living in Wadena, was involved with the Wadena Elks, Rotary, the Hockey Association, and was a recognized blood donor. During his years in Washington, he volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, dedicated 30 years of service to a community Thanksgiving dinner, and supported the Historical Society and Library.

John will be remembered for his steady presence, kind conversations, loyalty to family and friends, and the simple routines that made up a well-lived life.

He is survived by his children, Jennifer (Lee) Westrum of Wadena, MN, and Chris (Taryn) Carter of Proctor, MN; his grandchildren, Abby Westrum of Fargo, ND; Ethan Carter of Proctor, MN; Allison Westrum of Wadena, MN; and Camryn Carter of Proctor, MN; his siblings, Mark Carter of Park Rapids, MN; Kevin Carter of Ashland, WI; Michael Carter of Apple Valley, MN; Gayle Swandby of Minneapolis, MN; Theresa Carter of Bloomington, MN; and Barbie (Jeff) Ralph of Bayfield, WI; his sister-in-law, Martha Carter of Wadena, MN; his former wife, Roberta Carter; along with extended family and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clifford and Frances Carter; his brother, Bob Carter; and his nephew, Gregory Carter.

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