Carl Thomas Carlson

Carl Thomas "Tom" Carlson, age 71 of Mankato, died Saturday, March 28, 2009 at Immanuel St. Joseph's Hospital in Mankato.

Funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, April 4, 2009 at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Mankato with Rev. Donohue Sarff officiating. Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m., Friday at Mankato Mortuary and will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday. Memorials are preferred to ISJ Foundation, Vine Faith in Action or Christ the King Lutheran.

Tom was born on December 19, 1937 to Carl L. and Helen (Gilbertson) Carlson in Fulda, Minnesota. He attended school in Fulda graduating in 1956 from Fulda High School. He was united in marriage to Genevieve Christofferson and they were married for 45 years. Tom worked at Immanuel St. Joseph's Hospital as a manager in the Radiology Department retiring in 1992 after 36 years. He was a member of Christ the King Lutheran Church in Mankato and the Mankato Lions Club. He enjoyed photography, cooking, traveling to Palm Springs, gardening, and sports.

He is survived by his wife, Genevieve "Gen" Carlson of Mankato; daughters, Carla (Kevin) Deinema of Edina, and Desiree "Desi" Carlson of St. Louis Park; four grandchildren, Tone, Elsa, Henry, and Hugh Deinema; mother, Helen (James) Mackey of Cottage Grove; brother, Robert (Chloe) Carlson of Maple Grove; many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Tom was preceded in death by his father, Carl and best friend Bill "Willy" Fields.

Tom enjoyed a full and happy life despite his many health challenges. We sincerely appreciate all of the people who helped care for Tom. A special thank you to all of the staff at ISJ Hospital and Home Health, Gold Cross, Vine, Mankato Fire Department, and the many friends and family who supported Gen and Tom.