Cole Carlson

Cole Michael Carlson was taken, far too soon on October 8, 2024, from injuries sustained in a car accident.

Cole was born August 23, 1991 in Fargo, North Dakota to Lee Carlson and Karen (Bernd) Carlson. He attended school in Hawley, Minnesota, graduating in 2010. After graduation, Cole went into the work force. He was a “jack of all trades” and could do just about anything he put his mind to. He found his passion for welding and metal fabrication. In 2021, Cole started his own business, Lakes Area Welding and Fabrication. He knew he had found his rightful place in the working world.

June 4, 2022, Cole married the love of his life, Jess. They were together for many years, prior to getting married and had known each other since they were very young since Cole was a good friend of Jess’s brother and around her family a lot growing up. Together, along with their three beautiful daughters, they formed what Cole referred to as his “Wolf Pack”.

Cole was so proud of his family and had a passion for life that was only surpassed by the unconditional love he had for Jess, which was obvious to anyone they encountered. He was so proud of all his girls and loved them so deeply.

Cole displayed more bravery and courage than most. He never hesitated to walk straight into the “girl-nato” that would occasionally happen in a household filled with girls. He learned a lot about bravery from his sister Bailee, who held his hand through the dark and through life until he found his soulmate, Jess. He then grabbed Jess’s hand and ran eagerly forward to build their life together.

He was a Dad, a protector, a provider and a friend.

He had a very special relationship with each of his girls. Always present in their daily lives. He wanted nothing but the best and biggest for his family, which he proved time and time again. Like the time he took Morgan to get a small/medium sized family dog and came back with the largest German Shepherd puppy (Dierk) he could find.

He referred to Morgan lovingly as their “little witch” due to her spirituality and love of nature. Being the oldest, she helped to guide Cole to being the best girl dad that he could be. Her sarcastic humor and witty banter with Cole kept him vigilant and sometimes put him in his place.

Elliana, his “Little Wolf”, joined him on many adventures. She was the first of his girls to go with him bow hunting and the only one of his girls to get a deer with him. The deer ran and she did not want to go home or to school until they found it. She definitely has her Dad’s determination.

Anyone that knew Cole, knew that he didn’t always stay on task or on schedule. He was fortunate to have “Snarlson” (Aubree) on his side to remind him of tasks, schedules, and anything else she thought he may forget. If they had a nickel, for every time Cole said “Snarlson I know” they would be billionaires. Aubree was also ready and eager to hang with him for whatever he wanted to do. She just recently became his hunting sidekick. She helped him pull a deer out of the woods and learned how to clean it.

Cole enjoyed many hobbies including camping, fishing, hunting, road trips, scouting for deer and most of all grilling and smoking food for his family. He was always up for a last-minute adventure, even if that meant leaving what was taken out for supper on the counter, but that would usually be grilled up later as a midnight snack.

Cole was a dependable friend to many. He could always be counted on to be there for people, whether it was just because they needed a friend, to help with a project or to entertain them with his fun-loving nature. If Cole was in the room, you were going to smile and laugh.

Cole also spent time as a volunteer firefighter for the Detroit Lakes Fire Department. He loved the camaraderie, teamwork and serving the community wherever he was needed.

Cole is survived by his wife, Jess Carlson; daughters Morgan, Elliana and Aubree; his parents Karen (Mark) Kasin and Lee Carlson; his sister Bailee (Steve) Wavra and his nieces Stella and Blaire; his brothers Bryce (Kumi) Kasin and Devin Kasin; his grandparents Paul and Marcene Carlson; many uncles, aunts, cousins, extended family and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his mother-in-law Michaela “Nana” Anderson; father-in-law “Papa Joe” Friend; his grandparents Tom and Cherie Bernd and his fur buddy Dax.

He was loved by many and will be missed by all that knew him.

Visitation will be Monday, October 14, 2024, from 2:00 to 3:00 P.M., followed by a Celebration of Life at 3:00 P.M., at Venue 31, 4271 230th St. S. Hawley, MN, 56549.