Cover photo for Gregory Carlson's Obituary
Gregory Carlson Profile Photo
1939 Gregory 2017

Gregory Carlson

March 2, 1939 — February 13, 2017

Gregory Carlson, age 77, of Faribault, MN, passed away Monday, February 13, 2017, at his home following a brief illness.

A Memorial Service to celebrate Greg's life will take place on Saturday, March 25, 2017 from 2:30 - 5:00 p.m. at the River Bend Nature Center in Faribault with a short program at 3:00 p.m., followed by a time for sharing memories.

Arrangements are with the Parker Kohl Funeral Home & Crematory of Faribault.

Gregory Barnett Carlson was born on March 2, 1939 in Monmouth, IL to Vincent and Louise (Gregory) Carlson. Growing up in Oquawka, Illinois on the Mississippi River he developed a love of rivers and the outdoors. He graduated from G and O High School in 1957, completed his undergraduate degree from University of Southern Illinois, and his Judicial Degree from the University Of Iowa College Of Law. Greg was married to Sharon Malone in 1963 and together they had three sons. They were later divorced. After graduation from law school he moved to Minnesota to join the State Attorney General's office in St. Paul. Working there he discovered Faribault, a town on a river, and moved here to work with the Rice County Attorney's office in 1970, soon after he would operate his own practice. Greg's dedication to his work was the benefit of his many clients, and his commitment to the community earned him numerous accolades throughout his lengthy career. He retired from his law practice five years ago.

Greg was a passionate environmentalist! He continually volunteered in numerous capacities for many projects to better the environment, community, and region. His tireless efforts earned him the Nature Conservancy of Minnesota Conservation award. Greg was instrumental in the land acquisition from the State of Minnesota for the River Bend Nature Center (RNBC). He served as president of the RBNC multiple times, always striving to improve the organization and the precious land it encompassed. Greg also was a leader for the Cannon River Watershed Partnership, YMCA, Roberds Lake Club, and Sertoma Club. Recently Greg worked tirelessly to bring the community sewer system to Roberds Lake.

Greg married Suzanne Gagnon Vininski on July 14, 1984. Together they shared a common bond of enjoying life and nature to its fullest while raising their combined family. They loved to adventure travel to many unique destinations to experience nature. Greg had a passion for silent sports, including biking, cross country skiing, canoeing, and running. He also loved to read, enjoyed many genres of music, and bird watching.

He is survived by his loving family, wife, Suzanne; seven sons, Zack, Alex, Joe (Bonnie), Marty, James, Mickey (Marcella), and Mark (Minda); 10 grandchildren; two sisters, Jody (Steve) Griffitts, and Gay (Gary) Martin; brother-in-law, Tom (Linda) Gagnon; and many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Vincent and Louise, and an infant sister, Sandra.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the River Bend Nature Center in memory of Greg.

Memorial Visitation

MAR 25. 2:30 AM - 5:00 PM

River Bend Nature Center

1000 Rustad Rd

Faribault, MN, US, 55021

Memorial Service

MAR 25. 3:00 PM

River Bend Nature Center

1000 Rustad Rd

Faribault, MN, US, 55021

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Gregory Carlson, please visit our flower store.

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