---

James R. Carlson, age 88, of Shafer died Friday, June 19, 2009 at The Villages of North Branch.

He was born February 2, 1921 in Franconia Township, Minnesota to Charles and Jennie (Hawkinson) Carlson. He grew up in the Shafer area and attended Chisago City Public Schools. He attended the University of Wisconsin River Falls for studies in agriculture from 1946 to 1950. James married Delores P. Johnson in 1952. James was a life long farmer in the Shafer area. James served his country during WW II and was a memeber of the Forest Lake VFW Post #4210. Hunting was one of his lifelong hobbies.

Funeral services were Tuesday, June 23, at Chisago Lake Lutheran Church in Center City with Rev. Craig Lundstad-Vogt officiating. Music provided by Christine Bjorklund as organist and Lois Barott serving as soloist. Interment was at Hillside Cemetery at Center City with military honors provided by Forest Lake VFW Post #4210.

His is survived by his wife, Delores; daughter, Connie Jo (Dale) Fangmeier of St. Croix Falls, WI; sons, Mike (Pam) of White Bear Lake and Ronnie (Lynn) of Center City. Grandchildren, Jamie Carlson, Jodi Carlson, Jackie (Nic) Swenson, Jason (Jen) Fangmeier, Heather Carlson and Brandon Carlson; Great Grandchildren, Landon, Logan and Danica Fangmeier; Jayden and Logan Swenson and Brayden Bresnahnan. He was preceded in death by four brothers, Raymond, Wendell, Willard and Vincent and one grandson, Daniel Fangmeier.

Arrangements were under the direction of Grandstrand Funeral Home in Lindstrom.

---