Lester W. Carlson of Apple Valley went home to be with his Lord Sept. 23, 2012, at the age of 94. He was born in Houston County, MN. Les was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Louisa; brothers, Art, Don and Cliff; 2 wives, Evelyn and Marion; niece, Sharon; and 2 nephews, Vernon and LeRoy. Les proudly served in the Army's 99th Infantry Battalion-Separate during WWII. This Battalion was originally made up of Americans all of Norwegian descent. Les is survived by his best friend and loving wife of almost 13 years, CarolAnn; daughter, Mary (Jack), Janice Carlson (widow of Vernon), and Kerstin Karloev (widow of LeRoy); 2 nieces and great-nephews, nieces and great-great nephews and nieces, many cousins; special grandson, Greg Michelsen and many other relatives and friends. Service will be Thursday, Sept. 27, 11 a.m. at Henry W. Anderson Mortuary, 3640 23rd Ave. S., Minneapolis. Visitation was Wednesday, Sept. 26, 4-7 PM and one hour before service. Interment Fort Snelling. Memorials to Word of Grace Baptist Church, the 99th Infantry Battalion-Separate Educational Foundation or the Velvet Tones.
