Due to COVID there will be no public visitation and the funeral service will be held in St. Cloud for immediate family members only.  

Steven Michael Carlson was born August 3, 1966, in St. Cloud, MN to Russell and Edith (Laidig) Carlson.  Steve graduated from St. Cloud Technical High School in 1984.  He then received his Machinist Certification from St. Cloud Vocational College and worked as a machinist for Harmony Engineering. While there, he built parts for nuclear submarines and Cray Super Computers.  After meeting Kara in 1987, he decided to go back to college and graduated from St. Cloud State University with a B.S. in Computer Science and Mathematics.  Upon graduation, he began his lifelong career with 3M starting at the Maplewood Headquarters on the Buy List Team. After briefly working in the Pharmaceutical Division, he transferred to the Cumberland, WI manufacturing plant as the IT Manager. Finally, his last transfer was to the New Ulm plant where he was the Supply Chain Manager.  Steve held great pride and loyalty in working for the 3M Company and nothing brought him greater joy than using 3M sandpaper, glue, and tape.  

In 1991 he married his true love, Kara Hopke of St. Cloud, MN and had four children: Barrett (25), Kate (24), Bennett (17) and Brock (14).

A talented craftsman, Steve proudly restored 4 houses in his lifetime, doing all of the demolition, carpentry, plumbing, welding, wiring, and finishing work himself. One of these home restorations was an Eastlake Victorian on St Paul’s Eastside, which won him a historical preservation award from the City of St. Paul.  Steve did not believe in watching television or movies…. instead, he focused his time on his many talents and hobbies. He was an avid phillumenist (matchbook collector) and was a charter member of the Greatlakes Match Club. He also enjoyed computer programming, collecting music CD’s, and was a devoted car enthusiast.

Steve was preceded in death by his older brother Glen and his father Russell. He is survived by his wife, Kara of 30 years, his children Barrett, Kate, Bennett, Brock, and his mother Edith.

Steve will be remembered for his keen interest in the world around him, his steadfast confidence, and for being a deeply kind and adoring husband and father. He will be sorely missed.

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