Donald Carlson Obituary Died on April 15, 2020 of complications from COVID-19. He was born March 25, 1929 in Minneapolis as the youngest son of Werner & Mabel Carlson. He was a star athlete at West High School during the mid-1940s. Don lettered in football, track, and hockey, winning All-City and All-State Honors in Track and Football. In 1947, Don joined the National Guard, serving two years. He was united in marriage to Geraldine Carlson in 1949 and went to work for his father at Midwest Electric. Daughters Susan and Patricia were born in 1950 and 1953. In 1955, after his father died, Don and his brother Howard managed the company with their fathers partner, Howard Mandel until Mandels death in early 1970. A son, John, was born in 1956, and son, Paul, was born in 1965. Don and his brother, continued to manage the business until it was sold in 1981. Geraldine (wife) died of breast cancer in March of 1975. On January 1, 1980, Donald married Marilyn Schmidt. They made their home on Mooney Lake in Plymouth and continued on to their retirement townhome in Plymouth, MN. Don was active with his dedication and passion for Masonic Temple 205 and the Wayzata Chapter of Eastern Star along with Marilyn his beloved wife. Both were devoted members of Central Lutheran Church in Minneapolis. Don was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Warren and Howard, and a grandson, Carl Anders. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn; his children, Susan Dreyer (Martin), Patricia, John (Mary), and Paul (Babbs); step children, Dana Miller (Mark), Lon Schmidt (Kathy), Colin Schmidt (Jodi) and Clark Schmidt (Lisa). Also surviving are 16 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren. A graveside gathering and celebration of life of the will happen at a later date.