Richard Carlson

Richard A. "Smokey" Carlson, age 59 of Cottage Grove, passed away at his home surrounded by family on June 28, 2015.

Memorial service will be 6:30 pm, July 6, 2015 at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 615 Vermillion St., Hastings, with visitation starting at 3:00 pm until the time of service.

Richard was born September 15, 1955 to Raymond and Lucille (Eitel) Carlson in St. Paul, Minnesota. He graduated from high school in North St. Paul in 1973 and went on to pursue his career in the auto body repair industry where he was employed by Bradley Auto Repair, Woodbury Auto Body to work with his brother Tom, and also Kiss's Auto Body in Newport. Rick was united in marriage to Katherine Schmidt on July 9, 1976 in St. Paul and they made their home in Cottage Grove. Rick was passionate about auto repair and could fix just about anything. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle, raising chows, his player piano and helping people.

Rick is survived by his wife, Kathy; daughter, Charlene (Jeremy) Millinczek; son, Tony (Heather) Carlson; grandson, Alexander James; brothers, Raymond "Bud" Jr. (Lynn) Carlson, Mike (Jan) Carlson, Edward (Karen) Carlson; sister, Kathy (Richard) Teele and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Lucille; brothers, Tom, Jerry, David and one sister Carolyn.