Wendell LeRoy Carlson was born November 7, 1930 in Lake Andrew Township, Kandiyohi County, Minnesota, the son of Walter and Lillian (Bergman) Carlson. Wendell later moved to a farm in Dovre Township. He graduated from Willmar High School in 1948. Wendell was drafted into the U.S. Army and was stationed at Ft. Bliss, Texas during the Korean War. Wendell met Marilyn Bresser while roller-skating and they were married September 2, 1956 in Canby. Marilyn and Wendell lived and farmed the family farm in Dovre Township for 46 years. He also sold Pioneer seed for several years. In 2010, they left the farm and moved into Willmar and Wendell continued to help his son, Alan, on the farm until he was 81.

He was a member of First Covenant Church, where he faithfully served as an usher. He was also a member of the American Legion for 42 years and served as a director for REA for 24 years. He enjoyed playing Rook and Whist, and traveling with Marilyn, especially their bus trip to Alaska.

He is survived by his children: Loretta (and David) Mills of Gillette, WY, Alan (and Jill) Carlson of Willmar, MN, and Mary (and David) Butler of Fort Wayne, IN; 8 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; a sister: Lois Fostervold of Willmar, MN; and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife: Marilyn in December 2020; and two brothers: James Carlson and Roger Carlson.