Mark Carlson of Newfolden, MN, passed away unexpectedly on April 2 ^nd , 2020 in his home.

A service of Remembrance for Mark Carlson will be held on August 1, 2020 at 4:00 PM at the Outdoor Classroom on the North side of Marshall County Central School in Newfolden following all of the Minnesota and CDC Covid guidelines. Burial will be held at Oak Grove Cemetery at Newfolden later that evening. Chairs will be provided, if you are more comfortable bringing a lawn chair please do. Masks will also be available.

Mark David Carlson was born in Thief River Falls, MN to Alton and Agnes (Herseth) Carlson on November 6 ^th , 1945. He grew up in the Holt and Newfolden area graduating from Marshall County Central High School in 1963. He went on to attend Concordia College in Moorhead, MN, graduating in 1967 with a degree in Business Administration and Economics. He served in the Army from June of 1968 until his honorable discharge on January of 1970. Most of his time was spent in Vietnam and he received many awards for his service. He traveled extensively upon his return.

On December 28, 1974 he married Betty Lou (Johnson) Carlson at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Fargo, ND. They made their home in rural Newfolden, MN. They farmed for many years and had several horses and various 4-H animals. They were blessed with four children Seth, twins Sarah and Christopher, and Charles Carlson.

Mark became the Head Start Director at Northwest Community Action in Badger, MN in June of 1986 until his passing. He was passionate about his career and cared deeply for the children and people he worked with. He spent over 38 years on the Marshall County Central school board, many as the Chairman.  He was very dedicated to the education and success of the students and staff. Mark enjoyed spending time with his family, working in the yard, sports, and music. For several years he sang with the group "Sweet Spirit" and enjoyed participating in many Christmas Cantata's.

He is preceded in death by his parents Alton and Agnes Carlson, brother John Carlson (May 9, 2020) and brother in law Sigrud Christiansen.

Mark is survived by his wife Betty Carlson, their four children Seth Ben (Kate) Carlson of Fargo, ND, Sarah K. Carlson of Moorhead, MN, Christopher A. Carlson of Moorhead, MN, and Charles M. (Lynn) Carlson of Fargo, ND, brother John Carlson of Dilworth, MN, sisters Karen Christiansen of Sequim, WA and Kristi (Ken) Carlson of Spokane Valley, WA, grandchildren, Aarika (Tony) Hausladen of Waverly, MN, Levi (Trisha) Carlson of Fargo, ND, Kyleigh (Trey) Skadsem of  Moorhead, MN, Christian Carlson, Jenna and Kaleb Blanchette all of Fargo. One new great grandchild Josie K. Hausladen.