Service Information
Jerry Carlson, age 85, of Hutchinson, Minnesota, husband of Malene, passed away on Saturday, February 29, 2020, at Harmony River Living Center in Hutchinson.
Memorial Service will be held on Friday, March 6, 2020, at 11:00 A.M. at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Hutchinson.
Gathering of Family and Friends will be held on Thursday, March 5, 2020, from 4:00-7:00 P.M., and will continue Friday, one hour prior to the service, all at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Hutchinson.
Memorials preferred to the DAV Hutchinson Chapter #37 - 177 3rd Ave NW Hutchinson, MN 55350 and
the Hutchinson High School Dollars for Scholars - 1200 Roberts Road Hutchinson, MN 55350
Obituary
Jerry Alexander Carlson was born on May 26, 1934, in Ely, Minnesota. He was the son of Oscar and Helen (Sikala) Carlson. Jerry was baptized and later confirmed in his faith at First Lutheran Church in Ely. Jerry was a graduate of the Ely High School Class of 1952, Gustavus Adolphus College and later attended post graduate school at the Minnesota State University, Mankato. Following college, Jerry served in the United States Army for two years.
On June 9, 1962, Jerry was united in marriage to Malene Torgerson at Trinity Lutheran Church in Moorhead, Minnesota. This marriage was blessed with two sons, Jon and Daniel. They have resided in Hutchinson for over 57 years.
Jerry was employed as a Physical Education teacher at the Hutchinson School District #423 and retired in 1993. He was a very involved and successful boys swimming and diving coach for 47 years and also coached boys and girls tennis for over 20 years.
Jerry was a member of Christ the King Lutheran Church in Hutchinson. He served on the Board of Directors of Common Cup and was President of both the Hutchison Area Foundation for Health Care and the Hutchinson Education Association. He delivered Meals on Wheels and was a member of the American Legion Post 96, was a 58 year member of the Crow River Golf Club, and was involved in the Hutchinson Tennis Association. Jerry was honored to be inducted into the Minnesota Swimming Hall of Fame, the Hutchinson Wall of Fame and then being named Mr. Hutchinson in 2008.
Jerry’s passion was swimming and he partook in everything having to do with promoting swimming. He enjoyed lap swimming, golfing, hunting, biking, volunteering, and being at the family cabin on Lake Minnebelle. More than anything though, he enjoyed family activities, especially anything to do with his much-loved grandchildren. He also had a special place in his heart for his black cocker spaniel dog, Diesel, who was his constant companion.
Jerry entered Harmony River Living Center in Hutchinson on February 26, 2020, and passed away unexpectedly of a brain hemorrhage on Saturday, February 29, 2020, at the age of 85 years. Blessed be his memory.
Jerry is survived by his:
Wife, Malene Carlson of Hutchinson, MN;
Sons, Jon Carlson and his wife, Heidi, of St. Peter, MN,
Daniel Carlson and his wife, Gina, of Tonka Bay, MN;
Grandchildren, Calleigh, Grace, and Josephine Carlson, and Charlie, Emily, and Jack Huminski;
Sister, Mary Ann Frank of Mesa, CO;
Nieces, Nephews, Cousins, and many other relatives and friends
Jerry is preceded in death by his Parents, Oscar and Helen Carlson; and Brothers, Bernard Carlson and Charles Carlson.
Fern Hoff says
I learned to know Jerry well when I was the ISD 423 Payroll Clerk. We had many, many interesting conversations. He will be missed indeed. Sending my sympathy to Marlene and Family.
Fern Hoff says
Auto corrected to Marlene when I know it is Malene. Hugs to her and the family.
Dick and Sandy Tracy says
Malene, John, and Dan, we are so sorry to lose Jerry. Hugs and prayers to all who loved him and whose lives he touched.
Dan Ahlbrecht says
Forever a legend of the Hutchinson Community: Jerry Carlson. I might not have remembered the guy, but the pool at the middle school shall forever remember him.
Julia Bentz Collins says
I will miss seeing Jerry at Summer morning lap swim. I got to know and respect Mr. Carlson on BWCAW trips. Seeing him swim laps in the morning was a constant reminder that self care through physical activity never gets old. He told me last Summer his doctor’s advise to him was keep swimming. I will keep all Jerry’s loved ones in my lap 25 prayers. Sincerely, Julia Bentz Collins
Shawn Spoden says
I was a former swimmer for Coach Carlson over 25 years ago and worked with him at the Hutchinson Rec Pool. I learned a great deal of life lessons/skills from him. He was a great mentor. Blessings to Jerry and his family.
Daniel Hatten says
I’ve always really respected Jerry Carlson. I think he was an extraordinary man under his gruff manner. He was a great coach, a builder of men from boys, and a guy that truly cared about his student athletes which continued throughout his life. Rest In Peace Coach.
Jackie Asp says
I’m so sorry to hear about Jerry. I will miss his encouraging and fun talks he always had for me at AFC! He will be missed. Prayers go out to you and your family
Josh Hoffman says
I regret not keeping in contact with Jerry after graduating. He was a tough coach, but I loved it. I learned what teamwork was, I learned what hard work was, and I learned a few of my favorite words from him. My deepest sympathy to all of you.
Kathleen McGraw says
Malene, Jon & Dan
What a double blessing to be both friends & next door neighbors for 40+ years with the Carlson family…… Life w/o Jerry (& Ron) leaves a void in our families that only Heaven can replace! We share so many wonderful memories that will keep Jerry alive in our hearts….. In friendship and love ,
Kathleen McG
Jeff Hoeft says
He was my teacher, my colleague, my fellow coach, my kids coach and a very special friend. He never missed an opportunity to pull me aside and
tell me all of his opinions. (Jeff Hoeft)
Jan and Bob carney says
We are sending love and hugs during this difficult time…….
I told Kevin to look Jerry up so they can play a round of golf!
Luke Papin says
Coach Carlson will always be in my fondest memories. He was a great man and helped shape the person I am today. Looking back I appreciate how he was able to inspire and motivate everyone he came in contact with and transform us into a better version of ourselves.
Thank you to his family for sharing Coach’s time with us. Please know that your sacrifice of not seeing him due to practices and meets made it possible for many of us to get to know a great man!
Lori Kaping says
Jerry was my favorite (grumpy old man) My goal every Thursday at CRGC was to make Jerry smile and often I was able to make him laugh. I will miss the banter that we shared. Rest in peace my friend… You were one of a kind.
Richard Sauter says
Mr. Carlson was my gym teacher at Hutchinson High School. He was very hard on me and with good reason. On one occasion I had a big all out fight with a classmate when Mr. Carlson walked in. His only response was “Continue”. I’m only here to insure it’s a fair fight”. After that incident I had a new respect for Mr. Carlson. Nothing I say will change the fact that Mr. Carlson was a “Real Teacher ” and I will always remember and respect his memory.
Mark Schreiner says
I happened to be at HHS Saturday for a youth b-ball tourney, it was the 1st time since the school was remodeled I had been there. At the time I didn’t know yet that Mr. Carlson had passed. I felt compelled to walk down the hallway and the spot where the pools main entrance once was. The double doors from the parking lot are still there, and for that brief moment I remembered all the times I came thru those double doors, walked into the single door onto the pool deck and had the hot air hit you in the face as I walked between the pool and the seating to the locker room. What memories we all have who had the honor to swim for Coach, most of us at that 5-lane pool before the new pool was built and named after him.
I remember go home times. I remember that smirk he had after another swim lesson that now looking back was a life lesson. Or seeing him on a breathe or on your back encouraging you to give it your all as he walked the deck side by side with you in the water. I was proud when I was named co-captain my Senior year in 1996. I didn’t want to let coach down and worked hard to make sure the kids who were younger and faster than me made him equally as proud.
We are all better adults for knowing Mr. Jerry Carlson.
Dan and Jeanne VanOverbekr says
Our condolences to the entire Carlson family. We were privileged to have Jerry coach both of our sons and it was a great experience teaching with him and sharing a few smokes in the custodians room.
He was a pillar of the community and will live on in our memories and stories
Teresa Berezni says
Prayers and blessings to the Carlson family. My best memories of high school include tennis with “Mr. Carlson” as coach!
David Franzen “65” says
I met Jerry in 1960, he was scrounging for swimmers. We were called the chlorine kids. He ran a tight ship, but he always supported us, And whoo to someone who put one of his swimmers down. I feel a little guilty, I met Jerry at the new pool during practice, he asked why I was there, I said I brought my grandson to practice. He said who, and when I told him, he said that explains a lot. Didn’t know how I should take that. But two weeks later he retired. Hope I didn’t cause that. Will miss him very much
Dan Brinkman says
I am so sorry to hear about Jerry. I came to Hutch as a young teacher and Jerry took me under his wing and showed me the ropes. I will remember the good times we had teaching together and all the talks we had when he retired. He was a great teacher and coach who really cared about the kids. He was a little tough on the outside but had a heart of gold. I will miss you and am so glad you were part of my life.
Molly Lagerback says
Mr. Carlson holds a special place in my heart that will last forever! Sending you all so much love! XO
Michael Johnson says
My thoughts and prayers to the Carlson family. Mr. Carlson always gave his thoughts and laughter when you were sitting by him on a bench at the tennis courts. He coached and taught many students over the years, and obviously was a huge influence on the careers of Jon and Dan.
Michael Johnson says
My prayers and condolences to the Carlson family. Mr Carlson was always willing to share his thoughts and laughter when you were sitting by him on a bench by the tennis courts. He taught and coached many Hutchinson students over the years. He obviously had a huge impact on Jon and Dan and their career choices.
William Zajicek says
The High School was brand new as I entered 9th grade and it had a swimming pool. Swimming was the only sport I thought I might have something to contribute. For the first 2 years on the spanking new swim team I had the very real sense that I was going to drown 3/4 of the way through the daily practice session. Finally developed enough stamina to get through a practice. I wouldn’t have done for anyone else.
Thank You Jerry
Andrew Ashwill says
I Love hearing some of these stories that people have shared, brings back some pretty good memories for me….
Coach Carlson was one of a kind and will be dearly missed, but never forgotten. I will never forget the first time he walked into my Gym Class in Junior High. We were all making noise as usual and out of nowhere we here a whistle blow and this thundering voice that says “Alright…everybody be quiet, for those of you that don’t know how to be quiet……shut up!” Makes me laugh to this day! I swam for him for a few years and it was always encouraging to hear the “Hup!”, “Hup!”, “Hup!” and him waving his arms every time your ear came out of the water as you took a breath and saw him following you down the side of the pool. He and I got along pretty good and he’s the only one that asked me at least once a month if my mom “Ever had any kids that lived?” with that wild-eyed smile that scared you to your core!
Excellent Coach, Teacher, and Person!
Thanks Coach!
Bonnie A Karl says
So very sorry to hear of Jerry’s passing. My sympathy and prayers are with you all. Jerry was my phy-ed teacher many years ago. Six years ago he helped my grandson one-on-one with his fear of the pool while he was at the Middle School and made a real connection with him; he always asked how he was doing years after, he made a real difference and I was so very thankful for his help. I always enjoyed his visits when he stopped in at the Middle School office. God Bless! Bonnie Karl
Bruce lickfelt says
Goodbye Jerry, I will miss the talks we would have on tee box number7. I would be doing yard work or mowing the lawn take a break an have conversations about life and his teaching years back in the 60’s. Class of 65. Will miss you Jerry
Tom Getzke says
Sharon and I express our deepest sympathy to Malene, Jon, Daniel and families. Jerry lived a long life and touched thousands of people young and old. I saw Jerry a couple of months ago at our Class of 1974 reunion. He stopped by to say “hello” and share a few HHS stories with us. His handshake was as crushing as ever! He asked if I was still swimming and I said yes…he said keep practicing…you need it. Jerry had a vision for young people that focused 100% on reaching your maximum potential in sports, education and life. I’m better because he cared. I am honored to have called him a friend. Peace and love to his family in the days ahead.
Susie Eddy Halvorson says
Mr. Carlson was my favorite coach ever!! I have very fond memories of AAU swimming. He was a great coach and a great man.
Jamie S. Alsleben GAC’93 says
Jerry was truly “Golden” to many…it’s no wonder that he was a Golden Gustie!
Thoughts, love and prayers sent to the entire family of Carlson Gusties!
Bradley Hoikka says
Condolences to the whole family!!!!
Jen (Crosby) Perusse says
Mr. Carlson always had a quick one liner that you felt he’d saved just for you. He noticed you, gave you grief and put a smile on your face all at the same time. It was the way he showed that he cared for you.
My thoughts and prayers to your family.
Pamela Schmitz says
Such a wonderful man, My adult daughter and I would go to early morning lap swim. I didn’t know how to swim and used a kick board. Jerry said get rid of the board, put on these flippers and I’ll have you swimming in no time! It worked, close to 60 and he taught me to swim. I am so sorry for your loss, he will be missed by many.
Garey and Sherry Knudsen says
Our condolences to the Carlson family! Jerry was a real trooper and an asset to the students of Hutchinson High School and the community at large. Our families have a great respect for Jerry. I wish I had a book of his one liners. It would sell well. I saw Jerry at the license bureau a couple of months ago. Same old Jerry!!! He brightened my day with his humorous comments! Jerry will be remembered for his contribution to the young people in Hutchinson.
Julie (Dostal) Hutchins says
I was so sorry to hear of Jerry’s passing. He touched my high school years in a number of ways; as a girls swimmer, manager of the boy’s swim team, and phy-ed student. I always held great respect for him. Now that I have a family in Hutchinson, I enjoyed seeing him hang around the pool during youth swim lessons and seeing him walk his dog around town. Thoughts and prayers to the Carlson family.
Jay Carlson says
Bless the whole family. We feel your loss and send our Love your way.
Leonard Lasley says
Upon returning home from vacation, I was shocked to hear of Jerry’s passing. As a fellow teacher and coach, I will miss the “bantering” we shared over so many years. As a young teacher/coach entering the district, Jerry was always there to lend advice and encouragement. He was a special person and touched so many lives. He was “one of a kind” who I will truly miss. To Malene, Jon, Dan and their families, Vicki and I offer our deepest condolences and prayers.
Joel schwarze says
I never got a chance to offer my condolences to coaches family. I was out of town when he passed. I wanted to let his family know that next to my own father,coach had the most influence in my life. After school I called him friend but he was always referred to as coach. I don’t know of any teacher that had a deeper concern over students or athletes than him. I will think of him ever time I get in the water.