In Remembrance

Mark Allen Carlson, age 61, passed away February 18, 2019. He was born on May 4, 1957 in Duluth, Minnesota. This was the same year that Minnesota passed a law requiring Special Education in the Public Schools. Mark benefited by attending Special Education classes for many years growing up.

Mark was a resident of Nekton and then REM group homes. These homes included Piedmont, Spirit Valley, Endion Park and most recently Twin Pines in Hermantown. The many years of excellent care and numerous friendships he had as a client of these wonderful organizations has truly been a blessing and one that the family is deeply grateful for.

Mark worked at Goodwill and UDAC for several years which gave him a great sense of pride and accomplishment. Mark also participated in Special Olympics and excelled at weight lifting. He was so proud of his many medals that he received from Special Olympics!

Mark is preceded in death by his parents, Arne and Bertha Carlson and his sister, Carolyn Nelson. Mark is survived by his brother, Harold (Marleen) Carlson, sister, Lenore (Sam) Grinolds, and several uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family is planning a memorial gathering for Mark from noon to 3 pm on March 24 at the REM Twin Pines residence, 5282 Twin Pines Street, Hermantown.

A special thanks to Mark’s many caregivers over the years who gave him so much love and support.

Memorials are suggested to Special Olympics in honor of Mark.