Two Harbors resident Carl R. Carlson dies at 67; celebration planned

Carl R. Carlson, 67, of Two Harbors died Friday, January 30, 2026 at Aspirus-St. Luke’s Hospital, his obituary published by Cavallin Funeral Home states. The funeral-home notice and its online listing outline a life rooted in Lake County, a long working life in local trades, and close ties to family and friends.

The Cavallin obituary records that Carlson was born August 9, 1958 in Virginia, Minnesota, to Robert and Carol (Ojala) Carlson and that he "grew up in Lakeland, near Biwabik, and later Brimson." After graduating from Two Harbors High School in 1976, he worked as a millwright and iron worker and for employers including Husky Hydraulics, Two Harbors Machine Shop, LaBounty Manufacturing, Sure-Fab, Mecklin Excavating and, most recently, Simko Recycling.

Outside of work, Carlson enjoyed fishing, hunting and trapping. The obituary notes his fishing trips to Cody’s Resort in Canada and adds that "also important were daily phone calls with his friend, Joe Foster, who made possible one more fishing trip." The notice emphasizes family as central to his life: "His greatest joy was being a grandfather to Briggs."

Carlson is survived by his wife, Debbie; a daughter, Renae Carlson (Chase Peterson); grandson Briggs; sisters Nancy (Kip) Cardinal, Lynn (Chuck) Mead, Becky Carlson and Roberta Yates; and many nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Carol Carlson, and a brother-in-law, Ken Yates.

A public Celebration of Carl’s Life is scheduled from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Friday, February 20, 2026 at the American Legion, 614 1st Ave., Two Harbors. Cavallin Funeral Home published the obituary and service information on its website and its online listing offers options to "Send Flowers," "Plant A Tree" or "Send a Card," and a guestbook that the funeral-home page lists with 1554 visits. The online obituary page also allows users to add the event to a calendar and to request directions by text, as noted on the funeral-home site.

For a small city like Two Harbors, gatherings at the American Legion and shared rituals of remembrance play a practical public-health role by providing social support to grieving families and friends. Local services such as Aspirus-St. Luke’s Hospital, where Carlson died, and community venues that host memorials are integral to how Lake County communities cope with loss. The funeral-home listing does not state a cause of death.

Readers who wish to attend the Celebration of Life or leave memories can consult the obituary page maintained by Cavallin Funeral Home for any updates. The service offers an opportunity for neighbors and coworkers who knew Carlson from the shop floor, the fishing docks or the hunting trails to come together in person and online to remember a life shaped by work, outdoor tradition and family.