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  Edward Wayne Carlson, 78, of Brainerd, passed away surrounded by his loving family, on Friday, January 31, 2025, at Essentia Health – St. Joseph’s Medical Center.

   A Celebration of Wayne’s Life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, February 22, 2025, at Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Baxter. Family and friends are welcome to gather one hour prior to the service and stay for a luncheon to follow.

   Edward was born May 11, 1946, in Pequot Lakes, where he appreciated learning how to hunt and fish at an early age - hobbies that Wayne enjoyed throughout his life. After graduating from Remer High School in 1964, Wayne enlisted in the US Navy. He served for four years as part of an attack squadron. During his time in the Navy, Wayne met Kathy, and the couple married in 1967. They spent the next 57 years filling their life with family, drive-in movies, and playing cards. More than anything else, Wayne loved his family and loved helping people. No matter the time or task, Wayne was up for lending a helping hand and gentle smile.

   Wayne’s career spanned several manufacturing plants, most notably he spent 27 years at Potlatch before retiring in 1998. And even then, he didn’t stop working. He helped at RDS Moving and mowed lawns. He also enjoyed a few (ok, many) hunting and fishing trips with his brothers and grandsons near Longville.

   Wayne would want his family and friends to remember to just be a good person – and help when you can.

   He will be deeply missed by his wife, Kathy; children, Dawn (Al) Genz, John (Andrea) Carlson, and Charlie (Amber) Carlson; grandchildren, Travis (Katelyn) Genz, Tyson Genz (Ashley Shore), Madison Genz, Eddie Carlson, Madi, Maisy, Ethan Carlson, Isaac Carlson, and Gieda Carlson; great-grandchildren, Cooper, Asher, Raegan, and Owen; siblings, Eugene, Roger (Jolene), Kevin (Darla), Billy (Linda), Joyce, Karla (Wayne); and brother-in-law, Dan. He was preceded in death by his parents Donald and Sybil Carlson; sisters, Janele and Brenda; and brothers-in-law, Jack and Art.

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