David W. Carlson, 85, formerly of Williston, died at the Baptist Home in Bismarck on Wednesday, August 20, 2025. Funeral service will be at Washburn Baptist Church, on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at 11:00AM. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be in Riverview Cemetery, Williston, ND on Wednesday, August 27 at 11:00 AM.

David Wesley Carlson was born September 9, 1939, to Oscar and Esther (Fischer) Carlson in Washburn, ND.  He grew up on the family farm and attended school in Washburn, where he participated in various activities, including FFA.   The summer after his graduation in 1957, he chauffeured a local couple on an extended vacation across the western half of the country.  After returning from this memorable trip, David continued to work on the family farm.  In early 1961, David met Verna Blumhagen through mutual friends at the bowling alley in Washburn.  They married June 30, 1961, in Drake, ND.  They settled on the Carlson farmstead and had two children, Codey and Russell.

In 1967, David left the farm with his young family and moved to West Fargo to become a certified small aircraft mechanic.  In 1969, he accepted a job at the airport in Williston and spent his entire aviation career there.  After retiring from the airport, David began working for Double EE Services in Williston.  He immensely enjoyed working for the Evitt family.

David finally decided to retire for real and moved back to Washburn to be closer to family.  He enjoyed playing pool, working on puzzles, and going for walks.  He spent the last few years of his life at Baptist Health and Rehab in Bismarck, where he continued his hobbies.  He added bingo to the list, which he enjoyed even if he didn't always win.

David left behind his beloved children, Codey (Darrell) Torkelson of Bismarck and Russell (Beverly) Carlson of Wichita, KS; two granddaughters, Nicole (Cory) Neumiller of Washburn and Jennifer (Eric) Futrell of Quitman, LA; and two beloved great-grandchildren, Elizabeth and Daniel.  He is also survived by his big sister Lorraine Boehler, many nieces and nephews, dear family friend Russ Evitt, and many others from Williston who were like family.

David was preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Verna; parents Oscar and Esther; and brother Curtis.