Harley G. ‘Joe’ Carson

Harley G. “Joe” Carson, age 87, of New Prague, Minn., formerly of Burnsville, Minn., died Tuesday, June 16, 2015, at The Rivers Assisted Living in Burnsville. Harley was born September 16, 1927 in Nashville to Joseph O. and Emma L. (Hanke) Carson. He was raised in Nashville, entered the Navy towards the end of WWII until the end of that conflict but was recalled during the Korean War. Harley married Nellie A. Trost on September 16, 1950 in Jefferson, Ind., and the couple raised their family in Burnsville. He worked as a manager at the Ford Motor Co. in St. Paul, Minn., and after retirement, the couple moved to the Cedar Lake area in rural New Prague. Harley belonged to the American Legion, was a charter member of Mary Mother of the Church in Burnsville, and was a very active member of St. Patrick Catholic Church of Cedar Lake, serving on the Financial Committee, the Building Committee, and the church festival. Having come from a farming background, Harley always had a large garden. He and Nellie made and sold crafts at various craft shows and were members of a bowling league. He enjoyed cards, fishing trips with his sons and grandsons, and traveling.

Harley is survived by his children, Sandy (& Billy) King of Lewisville, Texas, Le (& Roxane) Carson of Apple Valley, Minn., Mike (& Kathy) Carson of Burnsville; son-in-law, Fred Pfannes of St. Croix Falls, Wis.; brother Ray Carson of Springfield; seven grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his wife, Nellie on November 27, 2007; his parents; daughters, Debbie Pfannes and Kathy (in infancy).

Mass of Christian Burial was held Tuesday, June 23 at St. Patrick Catholic Church of Cedar Lake with Father Orlando Tatel officiating. Burial followed that afternoon at Resurrection Cemetery in Mendota Heights, Minn. Military Honors were conducted at church after Mass.

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