Kenneth Fritz Carlson, age 86, of Duluth, MN, passed away Wednesday, February 11, 2026.  He was born in Cloquet, MN on October 22, 1939. 

He was a beloved son, brother, uncle, cousin, husband and grandpa as well as a loyal friend to many.  His loyalty to his daughter and sons was immeasurable!  His passion for his job of 41 years with the Potlatch Corporation in Cloquet was defined and rarely missed a day of work!  

He developed a happy, hobby of singing karaoke wherever he traveled to. He even recorded several CD’s of his favorite songs. He spent many years traveling all over the United States with his wife of 33 years Mary Lee, spending the last 23 years being snow birds in Apache Junction, Arizona.  

He was preceded in death by his parents, Merlyn and Oscar Carlson; brothers, Don, Gerald, and Richard; grandson, Ben Stevens; and several cousins and friends. 

He is survived by his wife, Mary Lee (Peterson Kirsh) Carlson; mother of his children, Evelyn (Jim) Pollock; daughter, Sandra (Paul) Kennedy; sons, Steven Carlson, Scott (MJ) Carlson and Shawn Carlson (Laura) and Juan (Lorena) Cocco; step-daughters, Brenda (Ben) Stevens, Karen (David) McDonald and Kim (Jeff) Martin; brother, Jim (Janice) Carlson; sisters, Mary Jane Lindivig and Betty Jean Laturnus (Tom); and many cousins and friends, and nieces & nephews. Ken is also survived by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Morgan (Dan) Perron and their children Cal and one due this summer, Tiegen  Kennedy (Oshai), Ryan (Rachel) Carlson and their children, Ruby and Remi, Jordan (Kristy) Carlson and children,  Ahna, Kloey and Cooper, Rachel (Mitchell) Patton and their child, Sadie, and Joel, Jair, Michael and Andrew Carlson, Mariah (Tyler) Carlson, Hunter Carlson (Maddie) and their child Vivian, Sebastian Cocco, Isabella Cocco, Brandon (Stephanie) Stevens and their children, Bailey and Benjamin Stevens, Corey  McDonald (Emily), Curtis (Brit) McDonald, Kendall Kirschbaum (Mason), Riley (Chloe) Kirschbaum, Kelsey Kirschbaum (Brad), Noah Martin, and Caden Martin, and granddaughter, MiKayla Nichols,  grandsons, Jake and Max Mueller. 

Ken’s legacy will live on in the hearts and memories of all of us! All who knew him relished his friendly manner and smile.  He will be forever missed and loved!  

Special thanks to Essentia Staff on the ICU and Hospice! Benedictine Safe Harbor Hall, Benedictine Adult Day Services and Cathy and Abby, social workers and Julie and Brie in the business office. Your aide and expertise will always be remembered and not to forget Jen, who called him, “Ken-Ken”!  

Memorial Service will be at 12:00 pm Noon on Saturday, March 14th at Elim Lutheran Church, 6101 Cody Street.  There will be a visitation time after the service during the luncheon in the Fellowship Hall.