William "Bill" Carlson, age 91 of Winger, Minnesota, died on Tuesday, November 11, 2008 at the First Care Nursing Home in Fosston, Minnesota.

William B. Carlson was born on June 4, 1917 to Rolf and Marie (Geldaker) Carlson in Winger, Minnesota. Bill was raised in Winger and baptized and confirmed in his faith at Calvary Lutheran Church. As a young boy, he attended grade school in Winger, graduating from McIntosh High School. During his high school years, Bill was active in sports, especially basketball. Following graduation, he attended college in Bemidji.

As a young man, Bill worked in Michigan and later in Montana. After a severe automobile accident in the early 1940s, Bill returned to Winger where he recuperated. In 1943, he and Clarence Harvey purchased the Sioux Service Station in Winger.

On August 5, 1950 Bill was united in marriage to Alice Snustad in Winger. Following their union the couple made their home in Winger where they have since lived. In 1955, Bill purchased the Sioux Service Station and continued to solely operate it until 1963 when the station merged into the Sioux Oil Co. owned by Bill along with Harold and Lynn Aasen. Bill remained active in the business until just recently due to failing health.

An avid sports fan, Bill enjoyed watching sporting events and loved visiting with his friends. He will long be remembered for rolling dice for coffee at the café. Bill was a lifetime member of the Calvary Lutheran Church and was active in the Winger Lions Club.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Alice, Winger; one daughter, Annette (Doug) Swedberg, Waterville, Minnesota; one son, Richard (Sharon) Carlson, Plymouth, Minnesota; two brothers, Ole, Eden Prairie, Minnesota and Hilmer, McIntosh, Minnesota; six grandchildren: Jennifer Swedberg, Jacob Carlson and his fiancée Elizabeth Kuhlmae, Katrina Swedberg, Adam Carlson, Stephanie Swedberg and Kimberly Swedberg.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Nella Midboe; and three brothers: Carl, Arnold and Marvil.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, November 15, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. at Calvary Lutheran Church, Winger. Visitation will take place on Friday, November 14, 2008 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Calvary Lutheran Church; with a Prayer Service at 6:30 p.m. Pastor Nathan Baker-Trinity will officiate with Pastor Aage Carlson assisting. Carol Stordahl will be the organist. Interment will be in the Calvary Lutheran Cemetery, Winger, Minnesota.