Date of Birth:
Tuesday, December 17, 1963
Date of Death:
Monday, July 14, 2025
Age:
61 years old

Douglas L. Carlson

Douglas Lee Carlson, son of LeRoy and Norreen Carlson of La Crosse, WI, was called to his eternal home in heaven. He passed on July 14, 2025, in Rochester, MN at Season’s Hospice House after a three- and half-year journey with esophageal cancer. He was 61 years old.

Doug grew up in the La Crosse area, attending school there and graduating from high school in 1982 from Aquinas. He was proud to have chosen to attend Aquinas and even paid his own tuition in order to attend there. Doug maintained many friendships and held fond memories of his experiences from that time. Chris Olson, his “best friend” from those years, offered invaluable support and comfort in recent years. Reminiscing brought about many laughs!

Always a hard worker, Doug’s first job at 13 years old was bussing tables at Perkins. He participated in sports as a boy, loving baseball, football, and basketball. In those days kids rode bicycles everywhere. That was true for Doug (and brother Blaine) as well. Many stories have been told of daily adventures that started on two wheels.

Throughout his life Doug held several jobs in the restaurant business, property management, automotive sales, and heavy-duty truck finance. Most recently he was employed by Firestone in Rochester. The team at Firestone gave Doug meaningful support as he navigated his cancer journey. Doug was grateful for the friendships he made there.

In 1986 Doug married and had two sons who are his survivors. Joshua (Nicole) and Tristan, both of Rochester. He loved them very much and cherished memories of the times they spent together.

Doug later divorced and was married to Tracey Gray of Rochester. They made a home together that included time with his sons and their faithful beloved toy aussies, Pippin and Indy. The dogs brought much love and happiness to their life together. Pippin and Indy made many visits to the hospital throughout Doug’s journey.

As a grandfather of two, Doug was able to spend time with Jaxton Branham (Florida) during his first two years of life and also with Braydon Gill.  At seven years old, Braydon has been a bright spot in the lives of Doug and Tracey. Since his birth he and his mom, Sara, have been an extension of family and both are very deeply loved!

There are two siblings who survive Doug as well. Blaine Carlson (Amber Alysworth) of Rochester and Kathy (Chris) Meyer of La Crosse. As siblings there are innumerable memories of time spent together as kids and adults. Doug always held them close to his heart even when the miles separated them.

Doug also inherited brothers-in-law Jeff (Lucy Cronk) and Steven (Kimberley) Gray who are survivors as well. Several nieces and nephews also survive Doug. Family was important to him so they are being mentioned by name: Brandon (Iva), Elizabeth, Rachel (Carter), Brooke (Nick), Madison, Austin (Lacey), Preston (Mikayla), Jackson (Shelby), Garrett, Whitney, Grayson, Holly, and great nieces and nephews: Lilli, Tyler, Landon, and Luella.

He is preceded in death by his father LeRoy and father-in-law Monte Gray. Mother-in-law Marjo still resides in the Rochester area. Doug was a welcomed addition to their family. Doug’s life was a gift to many.

Doug’s life was a gift to many.

A service will be held to honor Doug’s life at 2:00 p.m. July 25, 2025 in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home in Rochester with a visitation to start at 1:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers donations can be given to Tunnel to Towers Foundation (T2T.org) or Minnesota Adult & Teen Challenge (https://minnesotarecovery.org/resource/mn-adult-teen-challenge/)

Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com