John Edward Carlson was born on July 24, 1940 in Fort Dodge, IA to Glenn and Maxine Johnston Carlson. John passed away June 4, 2020 at Mitchell Village Care Center. Shortly after John's birth, he and his parents moved to California for a year. After that they returned to Boxholm, IA where they farmed and raised John along with his two younger sisters Joyce and Carol. John graduated from Boxholm High School when he was 16 years old and lived and worked around the area. He met his wife Jane Lindberg and they were married in 1962. Even though they did not remember each other, there is an adorable picture of them together as infants when their parents all attended church together in Boxholm. John began working in the agricultural cooperative system and lived and worked in Lanyon, IA before moving his wife and family of three to Laurel/Gilman, IA in 1970, where he was the assistant manager at the Farmer's Cooperative. In 1974 John was offered the job of general manager at the Prairie City Farmer's Co-op Exchange. The family moved to Prairie City and John remained manager there until his retirement in 1998. During his tenure John served in many capacities including the Agri-Industries and Cargill Board of Directors. Over many years of summer vacations John and Jane's preference was traveling to Canada where they enjoyed many weeks-long fishing trips with their boat. The family joked that John adopted another son, Pat Hron at Eagle Lake in Ontario, and that Pat was the favorite! John also kept active in retirement, farming with his good friend Gordon Wassenaar. In 2006 John and Jane built their dream home on their farm ground south of Prairie City, Just three years later John suffered a debilitating stroke. John was able to be cared for in his home for the next 5 years until his declining condition made it impossible for him to remain at home. John is survived by his wife Jane, daughter Karen (Rick) Gilson of Prairie City, son Scott (Shelly) Carlson of West Des Moines, and son Chad (Sherri) Carlson of Bondurant. Additionally, he is survived by nine grandchildren that he adored. John once was quoted as saying, "three move away, but 15 come back home." John's grandsons are Gabe Gilson, Joe Gilson, John Carlson, and granddaughters are Zoe Carlson, Abbi Gilson, Hope Carlson, Lindey Carlson, Grace Carlson, and Faith Carlson. The immediate family will hold a private graveside service at this time. Later this summer there will be a Celebration of Life for additional family and friends at the Carlson home. This is tentatively set for Friday, July 24, on what would be John's 80th birthday. The Carlson and Gilson families would like to sincerely thank so many people that have reached out to us over the past eleven years. Caring for and just visiting with our Dad required patience and persistence. To his friends, his caregivers, our family friends and pastors - your kindness, generosity, and love in action will never be forgotten. Memorial gifts will be divided between the Prairie City United Methodist Church and the PCM FFA Chapter.