Curtis James Carlson, 87, Bismarck formerly of Washburn, passed away Wednesday, August 18, 2021, after a short battle with cancer.  A Service of Celebration will be held 10:30 AM on Tuesday, August 24, 2021 at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, 801 E. Denver Ave., Bismarck, with Pastor Lester Wolfgram and Pastor Justin Woodside officiating. Burial will follow at 2:00 PM in the Riverview Cemetery, Washburn.  Visitation will take place at Goetz Funeral Home in Washburn on Monday from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service on Tuesday at the church.  The funeral service will be livestreamed at the bottom of Curt's obituary on Tuesday.

Curt was born December 7, 1933 the son of Oscar and Esther (Fisher) Carlson.  He was raised on the family farm north of Washburn and graduated from Washburn High School in 1951.  Curt married Grace Wenger of Underwood on October 5, 1952, and they were active members of St. John's Lutheran Church of Underwood.

Curt and Grace lived and raised their children on the same Carlson family farm, growing small grains and running a successful dairy for many years.  Curt was well known for his work ethic and his progressive approach to cattle breeding.  He also had a private pilot license and enjoyed flying.  After Curt and Grace sold the dairy cows in 1973, they spent lots of time square dancing, traveling all around the world and visiting their children and grandchildren.  Curt retired from farming in the fall of 1995.

In April of 2015, Curt and Grace moved to an apartment in Valley View Heights (now Missouri Slope), Bismarck.  In October 2016, Grace passed away, leaving Curt to anchor the family.  Curt remained an active man and participated in various exercise classes and brisk walks to help him reduce the effects of Parkinson's disease.

Curt leaves behind: his children, Wayne (Seyhan) of Ft Walton Beach, FL, Dan (Carol) of Washburn and Cheryl (Ken) Purdy, Bismarck; six grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren; his brother, David Carlson of Washburn and his sister, Lorraine Boehler of Bismarck; his brothers-in-law, Richard O. (Patricia) Wenger of McKean, PA and Don (Cindy) Wenger of Kyle, TX; special friend, LeAna Hug of Bismarck and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Grace.

In lieu of flowers the family would prefer memorials to the Parkinson's Association, the American Cancer Society or Martin Luther Elementary School, Bismarck.