Anthony 'Ron' Ronald Carlson

Anthony Ronald “Ron” Carlson passed away on April 28, 2026, surrounded by family at his home in Morris, Minnesota. He was 84 years old.

He was born on April 19, 1942, in Baraga, Michigan, to Agel and Alice (Loonsfoot) Carlson. Though he was raised by his grandparents, Karl “Otto” and Alma “Marna” Carlson. He grew up in Baraga and later spent most of his life in Duluth, Minnesota. He served his country in the Army Reserves from 1961 to 1967. On November 7, 1964, he married the love of his life, Phyllis Ann Haara, in L’Anse, Michigan. Ron attended both Michigan State University and Oregon State University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in wildlife biology and a master’s degree in fisheries biology. He worked as a fisheries biologist for the U.S. EPA for 33 years and spent some time in China during the 1980’s collaborating with scientists regarding water quality.

Together, Ron and Phyllis spent many winters as snowbirds in Florida. His passion for nature was evident in his love for fishing, hunting, biking, and hiking, activities he often enjoyed with his family. He especially cherished the time spent with his family at their cabin on Pequaywan Lake, just north of Duluth. He spent countless hours fishing for trout on Lake Superior. A man of unwavering positivity, Ron faced life’s challenges head-on, never complaining and always encouraging those around him. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his wife, Phyllis of Duluth; his daughter, Amy Bourgoyne of Pine City, MN; his son, Tom (Kim) Carlson of Sioux Falls, SD; three grandchildren, Adam Bourgoyne of Duluth, Autumn (Ulises) Macias of Morris, Forrest (Yadira) Carlson of Morris and two great-grandchildren, Enzo and Johan. He is preceded in death by his birth parents, Agel and Alice; grandparents, Karl “Otto” and Alma “Marna”; brothers, Lowell Carlson, Robert (Mahone) Carlson, Donald Carlson, and sister, Alice Marie Watchhorn.

Music brought Ron and his family great joy. Take a moment to remember Ron by listening to one of his favorite songs while he battled Alzheimer’s, “The King Is Gone” by The Highwaymen. This song made us all laugh and dance with Ron during this difficult time.

In Lieu of flowers, the family encourages contributions to be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or any charity of your choice in Ron’s name.

The Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris is in care of the arrangements for Ron.