Larry William Carlson

Larry William Carlson, 77, of Ottertail, Minnesota, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at his home in Ottertail.

Larry was born on October 21, 1948, at St. Luke’s Hospital in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, to Clarence and Erma (Shriver) Carlson. He was baptized on November 13, 1948 and confirmed on May 27, 1962. He attended grades one through eight at Amor Country School District 69 and went on to graduate from Battle Lake High School in 1966.

In 1968 he enlisted in the Army and was stationed in Vietnam at the height of the war where he saved countless lives serving as a Medic. He was honorably discharged in 1970. The scars of the war remained with him throughout his life.

In 1982 he married Arlette (Brutlag) Shaw. He became a parent overnight to Arlette’s two children, Fred and Fayette. He was a devoted husband, father and later grandfather and great grandfather. Arlette passed in 2009 after a long battle with cancer.

In July of 2011 Larry married Roberta Hancock. Roberta added to the blended family with her daughter Karrie and her grandchildren. Roberta embraced Larry’s family and their home remained a hub for family gatherings.

Larry was a man who lived life on his own terms. Bold, outspoken, and a little brassy, he was never one to pretend to be something he wasn’t. He had his own timeline and his own way of doing things, and those who knew him best understood that beneath his tough exterior was a deeply caring and thoughtful man.

He worked hard throughout his life, including time with Northern Co-op/Cenex in Wadena driving fuel and later as a heavy equipment operator and hauler for Ripley’s in Erhard. He retired in 2010 at the age of 62. Even in retirement, Larry stayed busy—always working with his hands, fixing, building, and improving whatever was in front of him.

Larry had a deep love for woodworking and took pride in creating pieces for family and friends. He built two homes of his own, a testament to both his skill and independence. He enjoyed attending turkey banquets, collecting prints, and taking fishing trips to Canada, especially for trout. He loved hunting and spending time outdoors, often watching wildlife from his home with binoculars in hand.

A proud and patriotic man, Larry loved his country and took pride in the life he built. He had a fondness for John Deere equipment and could often be found working on or restoring a small tractor. He also had a special love for his “RED HOT” Chevy pickups. Larry enjoyed the simple things, including watching livestreams of the Bentleyville Christmas display and the Aerial Lift Bridge in Duluth, often keeping an eye on the ships as they came and went, which he would have many discussions about with his younger brother. He also enjoyed watching farming videos, which he would discuss with his older brother.

He also took great pride in his yard and surroundings—if you knew Larry, you knew better than to “make tracks in his yard” or go “walking in his snow.”

Larry was a lifelong member of Zion Lutheran Church of Amor and was active in the community, including time with the Underwood VFW and the National Wild Turkey Federation.

He was also part of the morning coffee group known as the “Table of Knowledge,” where stories were shared and opinions were never in short supply.

He wasn’t one for big displays of affection, but he showed his love in his own ways—steady, reliable, and present. He never left the house without a kiss, and while he wasn’t a “huggy” type of guy, his love for his family ran deep. That softer side showed most clearly with his grandchildren who meant the world to him.

Some of Larry’s favorite moments were the simple ones—watching MASH with his son and later grandson, keeping up with golf, and having his grandchildren sit on his lap reading the Sunday comics. He also carried a deep love for his mother throughout his life.

Larry is survived by his wife, Roberta Carlson; his children, Fred (Julie) Shaw of Bemidji, Fayette (Richard Holm) Wambeke of Henning, Karrie Johnson of San Diego, CA and Devon Vaughner of El Cajon, CA; his siblings, David (Judy) Carlson of Amor, Steven (Virginia) Carlson of Moorhead and sibling-in-law, Wayne Duenow of Fergus Falls, and his grandchildren, Samantha Shaw of Bemidji, Savannah (Matt Nelson) Kramer of Henning, Jesse (Malenny) Rue of Delano, Justin Shaw of Rochester, Tanner Wambeke of Parkers Prairie, Jahlil Johnson of San Diego, Kiana (Jordan) Bey of Pearl City, HI, and Jevon Vaughner and Keoni Vaughner of San Diego, CA; along with nine great-grandchildren. In-laws Eldora (Mike) Kaasa of Fort Smith, AR, Bruce (Sandy) Crouse of Mahnomen, and Casey (Bobbie) Crouse of Deer Creek, and many nieces, nephews, and a host friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Erma Carlson; his first wife, Arlette Brutlag Shaw; his sister, Diane Duenow and brother in-law Duane Crouse.

Larry will be remembered as a hardworking man, a provider, and someone who stayed true to himself through every season of life. He may not have always said much, but when he did, you listened—and chances are, you remembered it.

To view Larry's Funeral Service please visit: https://www.youtube.com/live/eVJecpqM1e8?si=0OLcKkeBMYkvXA5o

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