Gary Lee Carlson, 79, of Rolla, ND passed away on Friday June 14th, 2024 from complications of Parkinson's disease.

Gary leaves behind his wife of 53 years, Karen Carlson, sons Bryan (Sara) Carlson, Chad (Heather) Carlson, his granddaughter Teagan Carlson, and sister Shirley (Charlie) Rust and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Don.

Gary was born in Rolla, North Dakota on November 25, 1944 to his parents Helga and Henry Carlson. Born into a farming family, he took over the family farm at the young age of 15. Gary loved farming and dedicated his life's work to his farm. He enjoyed his morning gatherings at Cenex to talk shop and appreciated all the friends he made throughout the years; he never missed an opportunity to talk about farming.  Gary was a dedicated father and husband, he taught his sons, Bryan and Chad, the importance of hard work, the ability to repair most things, and everything he knew about farming.

Gary lived in Rolla his whole life, embracing small town life, he served on the Rolla School Board, Ambulance Board, Mt View Township Board, and Farmers Union Board. If Gary was not on the farm, you would likely find him golfing at the Rolla Country Club where he rarely missed Men's Night, chatting in town, or playing cards with friends and family. In retirement (though he never truly retired from farming), he enjoyed winters in Arizona. There, he enjoyed playing golf, achieving his first hole-in-one, and playing bridge at the community center. He leaves behind a legacy of a love for the land his family homesteaded, and the knowledge of over 60 years of farming. His family will remember his dedication to them, his fondness for finding a sunny spot to sit, and his love of a good cheeseburger.

Expressions of sympathy in the form of memorial contributions to the National Parkinson's Foundation (www.parkinson.org), flowers or cards are equally welcome.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on August 3, 2024 at 11:00 AM at the St. Joachim Catholic Church in Rolla, ND.

Elick Funeral Home, Rolla, ND.