Donald Carlson "Ducky"

Donald Carlson, (Ducky) age 93, of Hermantown, Minnesota, passed away peacefully at home on October 17, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

He is survived by his children Debbie (Jim) Roufs, Don Carlson, Lorie (Joe) Olesiak, Alan (Vicki) Carlson, and Dale (Zoya) Carlson, Sandy Carlson, and sister-in-law Delaine Carlson.

Born in Duluth, Minnesota, to Helmer and Linnea Carlson, Donald moved to Hermantown at the age of three and a half, grew up in one of the original Jackson Homes. He graduated from Hermantown High School in 1951.

Donald proudly served in the United States Army from March 1953 through December 1954 during the Korean War and was honorably discharged.

After his military service, he worked as a bricklayer for 55 years; he was a true craftsman.

As a member of Bricklayers Local Union 1, he held the distinction of being the oldest and longest card-holding member of the Union.

Donald was preceded in death by the absolute love of his life, his wife, Ollie Carlson.

Together they built their home, raised five children, and created a family that grew to include fourteen grandchildren and seventeen great-grandchildren. The home they built together was filled with family, laughter, and memories that will live on forever.

After Ollies death Ducky met his special friend Karen Lundin; they shared many happy times together.

He was also preceded in death by his parents, Helmer and Linnea Carlson; in-laws, Axel and Sigrid Bergson; brothers, Arthur and Roger Carlson; brothers-in-law, John and Jim Bergson; sisters-in-laws, JoDean Carlson, Shirley and Pat Bergson, Fran Wrazidlo and special friend Karen Lundin.

Grandpa Duck as he was known by his fourteen grandchildren: Alex Roufs, Mickenzie MacMillan, Cody Carlson, Karlee Katzmarek, Nicole Berends, Stephanie Dunlop, Kelsey Olesiak, Joe Jr. Olesiak, Devin Elmore, Christopher Carlson, Nathan Carlson, Nicholas Carlson, Rimma Carlson, and Valerie Carlson. He was a kind man who found great joy in watching both his grandchildren and 17 greatgrandchildren grow. He loved to personally pick and make sure they all received birthday cards every year.

He was also blessed with many wonderful nieces and nephews.

In retirement, he remained active with the Bricklayers' retirees' group and attending the monthly retirees' breakfasts. Special Thanks to John Talarico, and Dale Jones who made sure he was able to attend. Ducky loved gardening, his job, and watching the Minnesota Twins. He enjoyed the road trips he took with his childhood friend Darrold Johnson and brother-in-law John Bergson to watch the games.

Ducky had a deep love for his dog Otto, his children often joked that if they and Otto were drowning, Otto would be the first to be saved. Otto was always treated to many air-conditioned car rides and a special car fan to keep him cool. He was truly Ducky's best friend.

Ducky will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend.

The love he shared, the friendships he built, and the example he set will remain in the hearts of those who knew him.

Family would like to thank Dr. Tim Kleinschmidt and his nurses for their outstanding care.

Special thanks to Cloquet Memorial Hospital, and St. Croix Hospice for the compassionate care they provided to him. Thank you to friends Jen and Jamie for the special loving care.

He will be deeply missed.

Visitation will be 3-5PM, Sunday, October 25, 2026, in Dougherty Funeral Home, 600 E 2nd Street, Duluth, MN 55805, Visitation will continue Monday, October 26, 2026, from 10AM until the Funeral Service starting at 11AM in Grace Lutheran Church 5454 Miller Trunk Hwy, Hermantown, MN 55811.

Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home, 218-727-3555. Please visit www.dfhduluth.com to sign the online guestbook.