Gary Allan Carlson, 77, of Cook, MN died peacefully on Monday, April 20 with his family by his side after a courageous battle with cancer. Gary was born in Duluth on July 27, 1948 to parents Oscar and Lorraine Carlson. He graduated from Cook High School in 1966 and went on to earn a degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Minnesota. Gary dedicated 32 years of his career to DWP/CN as Chief Engineer, then as General Manager for North Shore Track before retiring to Lake Vermillion.

In 1972, Gary married the love of his life, Patricia, and together they raised four children and built a life centered on family, adventure, and the outdoors. They cherished traveling across the United States and Canada in their motorhome creating countless memories along the way. Gary and Patty also enjoyed many trips to Hawaii, taking six cruises together, including Australia, New Zealand, with Alaska being Gary's favorite destination. An avid outdoorsman, Gary found great joy in fishing—spending many peaceful hours in his spear house—as well as hunting deer, grouse, pheasant, and moose. He especially treasured time spent with family at "the shack" in Angora.

Gary was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Angora, MN. He had a strong faith and will be reunited in heaven with his father Oscar, sisters, Kathy and Shirley and many extended family and friends.

He is survived by his mother, Lorraine; his wife, Patricia; his children, Lisa (Joe), Allan (Sonja), Teresa (Tim), and Maria (Joey); and his sister, Tara (Robert). 13 grandchildren, 1 great-grandson, many extended family and friends. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

A funeral service and visitation will be held Friday, May 1 at Mlaker Funeral Home in Cook, MN, visitation at 10:00 am service at 12:00 pm. Lunch and fellowship will follow immediately after the service at the Cook Community Center. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Gary's honor to a charity of your choice are preferred.