Jerry Alexander Carlson was born on May 26, 1934, in Ely, Minnesota. He was the son of Oscar and Helen (Sikala) Carlson. Jerry was baptized and later confirmed in his faith at First Lutheran Church in Ely. Jerry was a graduate of the Ely High School Class of 1952, Gustavus Adolphus College and later attended post graduate school at the Minnesota State University, Mankato. Following college Jerry served in the United States Army for two years.
On June 9, 1962, Jerry was united in marriage to Malene Torgerson at Trinity Lutheran Church in Moorhead, Minnesota. This marriage was blessed with two sons, Jon and Daniel. They have resided in Hutchinson for over 57 years.
Jerry was employed as a Physical Education teacher at the Hutchinson School District #423 and retired in 1993. He was a very involved and successful boys swimming and diving coach for 47 years and also coached boys and girls tennis for over 20 years.
Jerry was a member of Christ the King Lutheran Church in Hutchinson. He served on the Board of Directors of Common Cup and was President of both the Hutchison Area Foundation for Health Care and the Hutchinson Education Association. He delivered Meals on Wheels and was a member of the American Legion Post 96, was a 58 year member of the Crow River Golf Club, and was involved in the Hutchinson Tennis Association. Jerry was honored to be inducted into the Minnesota Swimming Hall of Fame, the Hutchinson Wall of Fame and then being named Mr. Hutchinson in 2008.
Jerry’s passion was swimming and he partook in everything having to do with promoting swimming. He enjoyed lap swimming, golfing, hunting, biking, volunteering, and being at the family cabin on Lake Minnebelle. More than anything though, he enjoyed family activities, especially anything to do with his much loved grandchildren. He also had a special place in his heart for his black cocker spaniel dog, Diesel, who was his constant companion.
Jerry entered Harmony River Living Center in Hutchinson on February 26, 2020, and passed away unexpectedly of a brain hemorrhage on Saturday, February 29, 2020, at the age of 85 years. Blessed be his memory.
Jerry is survived by his:
Wife, Malene Carlson of Hutchinson, MN;
Sons, Jon Carlson and his wife, Heidi, of St. Peter, MN,
Daniel Carlson and his wife, Gina, of Tonka Bay, MN;
Grandchildren, Calleigh, Grace, and Josephine Carlson, and Charlie, Emily, and Jack Huminski;
Sister, Mary Ann Frank of Mesa, CO;
Nieces, Nephews, Cousins, and many other relatives and friends
Jerry is preceded in death by his Parents, Oscar and Helen Carlson; and Brothers, Bernard Carlson and Charles Carlson.
Arrangements by the Dobratz-Hantge Chapels in Hutchinson. Online Obituaries and Guest Book available at www.hantge.com.