William “Bill” Dean Carlson, age 67, of Sandstone and formerly of Cambridge died August 29, 2016 at Firstlight Hospital in Mora. Memorial services will be held at 7:00 PM on Thursday, September 8th at our Cambridge Chapel with a visiting time from 5:00 until service time.
William “Bill” Dean Carlson was born on Thanksgiving Day, November 25th, 1948 in St. Paul, Minnesota, to Albert A. Carlson, Jr., and Marie E. Lamoureux Carlson. His childhood was spent in Anoka, moving to Cambridge in 1963 when his parents bought the Oak Grove Motel. He graduated from Cambridge High School in 1966.
After high school, Bill attended St. Cloud VoTech. He joined Midwest Printing shortly after, where he remained employed for many years. Bill developed work-related injuries that led to many health challenges and his early retirement in 2004, moving to Sandstone in 2006.
One of Bill’s cherished memories was playing keyboard and singing with the rock band “The Animal Crackers” with friends Kenny Krona, Steve Danger and Don Karsky. Bill was drafted into the Army in 1969, cutting short his music career.
Bill married Nancy Priess of Princeton in 1980, and they made their home in Blaine until moving to St. Anthony. His greatest achievement and joy came from the birth of his daughter Brooke Andrea. Bill’s sisters each had three sons, but he had the only girl out of ten grandchildren. Next came a wonderful son-in-law, Dan, followed by grandson Julian and granddaughter Adali. His grandchildren were the light of his life.
Bill was preceded in death by parents Albert and Marie Carlson; nephew Brady Johnson, and former wife Nancy Priess Carlson. He is survived by his daughter Brooke, her husband Dan Timp, and grandchildren Julian and Adali; brother Clark (Margaret) Carlson; sister Linda (Wayne) Bruss; sister Pat (Chuck) Johnson; sister Lisa (Jeff) Peterson; and many nieces and nephews.
The family especially wants to thank his friend Don Anderson for being with Bill when he was needed. Knowing that Bill was not alone on his final day really has been a comfort. For all you’ve done, we are grateful. Thank you from our hearts.
I have so many wonderful summer memories filled with, my dad, Bill, and Brooke. Twins games together and Valley Fair. I am so sorry for the families loss I know he will be missed by many! Always had a smile and was ready to talk everytime he saw you. Sending my love and Prayers from Wyoming!
Bill will be sorely missed by his grandchildren, family and friends. He always had time to talk and savor time with people. He was a blessing to those who knew him. We are keeping you in our prayers.
I remember meeting Bill at the Chippewa apartments in Minneapolis way back 70’s. He lived with a very good friend of mine Craig. I stayed friends with Bill for many years and he moved by Blaine Brook. Lots of good times we did share. Myself and a friend doubled many times with him and his wife to be Nancy. Bill bought a home in Brooklyn Park with another friend and we continued our life long friendship. I spoke with Bill many times over the past few years. I will really miss our conversations of “the good old days”. RIP my friend you will be missed.
My thoughts and prayers to Bill’s family. Many happy thoughts bring me back to the time when he was married to Nancy and how good he was to my children and me. The get-together times either in the Cities or at Princeton will also be a treasure to be remembered.
Brook, I am so sorry for your loss. I pray for your strength during this difficult time.