Arnold Carlson, 90, Douglas and Garrison, died on Wednesday, February 25, 2015 at the Benedictine Living Center in Garrison. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, March 4, at 11:00 am at the First Congregational Church in Garrison. Public visitation will be held on Tuesday from 3 to 7 at Thompson Funeral Home in Garrison.

Arnold was born on the family farm at rural Douglas on June 25, 1924 to August and Bertha (Gustafson) Carlson. He was the youngest of 9 children. He received his education at Platt School and graduated from Garrison High School in 1941.

He began farming with his brothers August and Carl after his father's death in 1936. He farmed and raised livestock on the original homestead for over 50 years until retiring in 1991. He married Ruth Bussmann on July 6, 1947 at Ryder. They raised 3 children: Mike, Linda and Kevin. Together Arnold and Ruth planted a large garden yearly from which they shared produce with many neighbors and friends. They took pride in their flowers and the landscaping at their farm home.

Arnold was a 4-H leader and a member of Platt Farmers Union. They were members of Banner Methodist church until it closed and then First Congregational Church of Garrison. Arnold also operated a hay stack moving business for many years in the area. Their farm became a North Dakota Centennial Farm in 2003 and was chosen as the West McLean County Conservation District Farm of the Year in 1987.

Arnold and Ruth continued to live on the farm after retirement. Arnold's hobby was restoring old IH Farmall tractors and he had quite a collection which he enjoyed. He and Ruth did much traveling all over the country until her death in 2009. They worked together their whole lives and Dad sure missed her. Dad finished mowing his lawn one last time and now has the green pastures of heaven to cut.

Arnold is survived by his sons Mike (Susan) Carlson of Glendive, Montana, Kevin (Pam) Carlson of Grand Forks and daughter Linda (Clifford) Silverthorn of Melbourne, Florida. Grandchildren are: Erik (Krystal) Carlson, Mark Carlson, Jason and Jeremy Silverthorn, Jennifer (Ashley) Benjaminson, and Amber (Eric) Hagadorn. Great grandchildren are
Cole Benjaminson, Jade Carlson, Haddie Carlson and numerous nieces and nephews.

Arnold was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Ruth; his brothers: August and Carl; sisters: Grace Johnson, Ruth Johnson, Alma Conklin, Fern Conklin, Helen Letzring and Bernice Hacanson.

Memorials are suggested to the Camp of the Cross, the First Congregational Church of Garrison or Hospice.