Bradley David Carlson, 61, of Grand Rapids, Minnesota, died Thursday, February 1, 2024, at the Emeralds in Grand Rapids.

Brad, as known by those who loved him, was born in Big Spring, Texas in 1962 to John and Carol Carlson. He moved to Grand Rapids, Minnesota as a child to be near family. Brad graduated from Grand Rapids High School in 1981. He attended college at Bemidji State University.

Throughout his entire life, Brad had a desire for swinging a hammer, fixing machines and equipment, and working on projects.  He worked for several years in construction and owned a roofing company.  He continued to work on small projects for family and friends throughout the years.

Brad continued his passion working for the McDonald's Corporation trying to keep everyone's beloved ice cream machine operational.  He continued to work for McDonald's for over ten years, and finished his career at the YMCA where he was able to continue doing what he loved, fixing equipment, and always putting a smile on everyone's face.

Brad's biggest joy in life came when he had his son, Eli, in 1983. The single proudest moment of Brad's life was his relationship with his son and watching him flourish over the years.

Brad was happiest when he was outside and even more so spending time in the woods.  He enjoyed many family camping trips with his son and his son's family.  He was an avid grouse hunter and enjoyed an abundance of naps in his stand while deer hunting.  His biggest deer hunting accomplishment was the only deer he ever shot, a trophy ten-point buck, at his beloved Togo deer shack.  Brad also enjoyed spending his winters outside skiing and snowshoeing on a pair of snowshoes he proudly made himself.

He had a strong affection for pets, particularly dogs. Brad had several pets over the years and treated them better than his own son.  He participated in countless 5k runs with the goal of eventually running full marathons.  He successfully completed several half marathons over the years.  Brad was known for his kind-hearted nature and maintained lifelong friendships.  The joy on his face when he saw an old friend was priceless.  Brad could have met you only once or seen you several times, he would always treat you like family.

Brad was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.

He is survived by his favorite son, Eli (Shauna) Ahonen; sisters, Kristi (John) Watts, and Kathy (Keith) Gospodareck; brothers, Greg (Gayle) Carlson, John "Jay" (Jean) Carlson, and Mark Carlson; one granddaughter, Taylor; and his beloved companion, his dog Dobbie.  Brad is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and stepchildren.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date at Gunn Park, Grand Rapids, Minnesota.

Arrangements are with the Rowe Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Grand Rapids, Minnesota. To sign the online guestbook or send condolences visit:www.rowefuneralhomeandcrematory.com.