Arvid H. Carlson

Arvid H. Carlson, 101 of Cloquet went to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, April 27, 2016 in Augustana Care Center. He was born on November 11, 1914 to Marie and August Carlson, the oldest of six children. He was born in a log house that his parents lived in until they could build their own home. Arvid was educated in a one-room schoolhouse in Blackhoof Valley. He had to learn English in order to attend public school. In 1935 he graduated from Carlton High School. He helped out on the farm until joining the Navy in February of 1936. He served his country for nearly ten years, learning electrical skills and becoming a Chief Electrician's Mate. Arvid served in the Navy Reserves from February 1948 until November 11, 1974. He often talked about his service and the many experiences he had as a result. In 1949 he signed up for more extended duty, which was at a Great Lakes Navy station. During that time he met Helen Pierce, who lived on the south side of Chicago. They married in May of 1950, made their home in Carlton and Cloquet, and were married for 45 years until Helen's death in 1996. Arvid worked at the Wood Conversion/Conwed mill in Cloquet for 27 years, retiring in 1977. A member of the Cloquet Gospel Tabernacle, Arvid was a devout Christian and shared his strong faith. He was also devoted and took great pride in his family. He was generous and always willing to help, especially when he could put his electrical skills to use and was diligent about doing a good job. He often fixed small appliances or helped people with home wiring projects. If Arvid had a motto, perhaps it would be "Call upon me and I will serve." Arvid also enjoyed working in his vegetable garden and sharing his produce. He gardened in the backyard in Cloquet until moving from his home into Suncrest Assisted Living. He loved to travel, especially with his family. Arvid also loved music, and shared his passion for music, particularly classical music for piano and violin, with his two daughters. At age 101, with limited hearing, he was still playing piano for Sunday services at Suncrest and continued playing to his last days. It seems the radio or phonograph was always on with his favorite pieces. He had an excellent memory, particularly for dates, and could tell about events from early days growing up on the Blackhoof farm as well as later events. Arvid was an outstanding and loving man and waited patiently to enter his final destination. He was preceded in death by his wife, Helen in 1996. He outlived all of his younger siblings, John Carlson, Ruth Dangel, Margaret Thiel, Lucy Dunn, and Astrid Palmer. Arvid is survived by daughters, Fannie (John) Snowberg and Diane (Brian) Fogelberg; grandchildren, Kristofer (Tanya) Horner and Carina (Warren Peters) Fogelberg; great grandchildren, Kaila, Dylan and Dezarae Horner; and several nieces and nephews. Special thanks to Suncrest staff for 12 years of exceptional care and to the Augustana staff. Thanks also to friend and cousin, Mike "Myron" Nelson who visited frequently, took Arvid on outings to the farmstead, and played violin for him.