James M. Carlson

James Milo Carlson, 87, Ellendale, ND passed away peacefully January 27, 2024 with family present at Sanford USD Medical Center, Sioux Falls, SD. Jim was born in Jud, ND on January 24, 1937 to Charlie and Nellie (Roehr) Carlson. Growing up with six brothers and three sisters, Jim understood the importance of family and established a lifelong work ethic. Working on the farm and his dad’s implement dealership was a big part of his work experiences. In 1955 Jim left home and joined the US Navy as a paratrooper. He always said the first plane he ever went up on he had to jump out of. On August 27, 1956 Jim married the love of his life Murhel Schlecht in Kulm, ND. From then on they became an inseparable duo. It was always to be Jim and Murhel. Through this union they were blessed with three children: David, Cameron and Carmen. In 1960 after moving around some, Jim and Murhel settled in Ellendale where they resided ever since.  Jim began working at Jay’s Standard Station and after a few years he began a new career with NAPA auto parts. In 1975 Jim sold the business and ran the Texaco Station and also did a little farming. In 1980 Jim began to raise hogs east of Ellendale for 17 years. After Murhel retired from teaching in 1999, they became “Winter Texans”. They began with a 5^th wheel moving up to a RV, and later to a park model. They enjoyed heading south for 21 years and they made many friends during that period. Dad loved his family and would do anything he could to help us. He expected us to work hard and that value was instilled in us especially when we owned the NAPA store. We all worked together as a family. Mom stopped teaching for a few years, the boys worked in the store and Carmen helped where she was needed. It was not always appreciated by us, but in retrospect, it was far more descriptive of a father’s love than anything else. Jim seemingly could do anything he set his mind to. He remodeled various houses and even built a couple homes. He was skilled at cabinetry and could create such beautiful things from wood. He did all his own electrical and plumbing and the inspectors were always amazed at how professional the work was. Dad and Mom loved to play pinochle with friends, fish when they were younger and loved going to see various gospel groups especially when they were down South. Dad was quite accomplished with cars and built a number of engines that had success on the race track. Mom always said Dad could sell anything to anyone. He enjoyed watching the Twins and Vikings and as his physical health declined loved looking at pictures on NIXPLAY and doing Wordfind puzzles. Dad and Mom read scripture on a nightly basis and I know Dad loved the Lord. He was on that narrow path and now with all the confidence we know where he is. Jim was a member of the First Baptist Church attending for many years. Jim and his family were all baptized in this church. Jim was preceded in death by his parents; sisters: LaVerne and Marie; brothers: Clifford, Leslie, Harlan, Arvid and infant brother Merritt. Jim is survived by his wife Murhel of 67 years, sons, David (Nancy) Carlson, Tioga, ND, Cameron (LaVae) Carlson, Flower Mound, TX and daughter Carmen (Jeff) Erickson, Sioux Falls, SD. Six grandchildren, Kimberly, Craig, Christopher, Shelby, Laura and Sara, along with 13 great grandchildren; brothers: Keith (Jan) Carlson, Calvin (Lockie) Carlson, sister: Marjorie Romero; sisters-in-law: Bea, Christine, Carol, Connie and Judy; brother-in-law: Solomon, and many nieces and nephews. 

 The memorial service is 10:30am Saturday, February 3, 2024 at First Baptist Church, Ellendale, ND with Pastor Glenn Raynor officiating. Visitation is 9:30am to time of service at the church. Burial is at Mount Hope Cemetery, Edgeley, ND. Jim’s service will be live streamed at hovenfuneralchapel.com on his obituary page. Arrangements by Hoven Funeral Chapel. In Lieu of flowers please send memorials to First Baptist Church, PO Box 161; Ellendale Senior Center 67 1^st Ave S; or Ellendale Ambulance 51 3^rd Ave S, all in Ellendale, ND 58436. 

To watch the service live: keep moving down this page and watch for a black box. At time of the service, click the red area to start the live stream. Please note the service is also recorded and saved here for viewing at a later time.