Richard Dean Carlson

Richard Dean Carlson, 86, of Pennock, died Sunday, April 12, 2026, at his home.

His funeral service will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, April 25, at Harvey Anderson Funeral Home in Willmar with visitation two hours prior to the service.  Interment will be at Fairview Cemetery in WIllmar.  A recording of Richard's service can be viewed at https://my.gather.app/remember/richard-carlson-apr-2026.

Richard Dean Carlson was born December 19, 1939, in Willmar, Minnesota, to J. Walter and Alyce (Clough) Carlson. He grew up in Pennock and was baptized and confirmed at Mamrelund Lutheran Church. He attended elementary school in Pennock and graduated from Willmar High School in 1957. He later graduated from Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, where he played college football.  In 1960, Richard joined the National Guard and served for six years. 

Following college, he lived in Murdock, where he was part owner of the Champlain Gas Station. On December 19, 1965, Richard was united in marriage to Sally Oman, and they made their home in Pennock. They later divorced. Richard was part-owner of Pennock Oil, where he worked as a heating and cooling technician and supervised the garage operations.

On July 16, 1998, Richard was united in marriage to Patricia Johnson, and they moved to her farm outside Pennock. After retiring, Richard utilized his woodworking skills as part of C & C Crafts, and also helped Joel with farm work, tiling and harvest.

Richard was a former member of Mamrelund Lutheran Church, where he served as a Sunday school teacher, usher, deacon, council member, choir member, and lay leader. He later supported his wife’s ministry at the Lutheran Church in Mission for Christ in Dawson and St. John’s in Alexandria.

Richard was very active in the Pennock community, serving as mayor, as a founding member of the Pennock Lions Club, and as a member of the Pennock Gun Club. He was also active on the Kandiyohi County Fair Board and participated in bowling and racquetball leagues. He cherished hunting with the Gun Club in the fall and fishing with son and grandsons in Canada and at the camper on Lake Waubay in South Dakota. He also loved woodworking, crafts, and was known as an exceptional gardener.

Richard is survived by his wife, Patricia; children, Michael (Elizabeth) Carlson of Willmar, Joel (Barb) Johnson of Pennock, Jonathan (Beth) Johnson of Grove City, and Rebecca (Eric) Thesing of Glenwood; five grandchildren, Justin Carlson, Jonathon Carlson, Mary Carlson, Michelle (William) Bennett, and Sarah Carlson; and two great-granddaughters, Lucy and Elizabeth Bennett. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Jeanette Carlson, and four nieces.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Alyce; his twin brother, Roger; and his brother, Alan.

Richard’s family would like to extend a special thank you to Bethesda Hospice and CentraCare Hospice for their wonderful care.

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