Joel A. Carlson, 61, passed away August 7, 2020 at Fairview Bethesda Hospital, St Paul, MN (currently a CO-

VID-19 only hospital).

The son of Edward and June Carlson, he was born in Minot, North Dakota and attended Minot Public Schools graduating in 1976.

Joel married Cheryl Zeise in 1979 and was a member of the Piggly Wiggly clan for years, then Little Debbie Snack Cakes, Gaffney's Office Supply and assistant manager for housekeeping at Trinity Hospital. They moved to Hastings, MN in 1987, where Joel secured a job with NorWest Airlines. Joel divorced in 1989 and remarried Lynn Thrune in 2000. Other job opportunities include construction which he enjoyed immensely, especially volunteering for Habitat for Humanity. For those that knew Joel, they knew of his kind and giving heart. Joel had a deep and abiding passion for Jesus Christ, sharing the gospel with others. His children remember him for his goofy sense of humor, often resulting in multiple good-humored groans from terrible dad jokes. Joel was happiest surrounded by his family. Whether it be playing board games, watching a movie, or just having a meal together.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and June and siblings, Gerald, Dennis, Mari and Dale.

He will be greatly missed by his wife, Lynn; children: Tricia Thrune (Kevin Goberdhan), Vanessa (Paul) Richards, Heather (Ryan) Brown, David (Olivia) Carlson, and Joshua (Rachael) Carlson; 14 grandchildren; siblings: Tari (Steve) Axness, Ladonna (Gary) Klimple, George (Sherry) Carlson, and Randy (Carla) Carlson, sister-in-law, Kathy Carlson; and his multitude of other loving family and friends.

A visitation will take place on Thursday, August 13, 2020 from 4-7 pm at White Funeral Home, Apple Valley, MN;

Joel A. Carlson will be laid to rest on Saturday, August 29 beginning at 1 p.m. at the Zion Lutheran Cemetery, 177th Ave SW (Co Rd 20), South Prairie, ND. A short celebration of life will take place, followed by a light luncheon at Randy Carlson's house, 5601 11th St SE, Minot, ND. beginning around 4pm. Dress is casual. All are welcome to attend.