Brian James Carlson

Brian James Carlson, age 61, of Stoddard, WI, passed away unexpectedly at home on Sunday, February 2, 2025, from a medical condition.

He was born September 21, 1963, to John and Mary Carlson in Caledonia, MN. He was the youngest of five siblings – Greg, Joyce, Rick, Bob, and Brian. He spent his childhood in Caledonia, and graduated from high school there in 1982, excelling in golf, football, and band. He graduated from U.W. La Crosse in 1986 with a B.S. in marketing. After moving to California for several years, he returned to Wisconsin to manage his family's Hardee's Restaurant in Sauk City. When the family restaurant sold in 2000, Brian dedicated his life to caring for his parents in their home on the Mississippi River in Stoddard, WI. His dad was his best friend, sharing the love of caring for their lawn, driving their Schweiss lawn mowers, feeding the birds, and working in their Shop. Brian had a big heart as he continued caring for his mom after his father passed in 2015, even through the intense challenges of her dementia until her passing in 2020.

Brian was kind, loving, generous, and had a special sense of humor, always having a joke to share. He was the family weatherman and was certain to alert of any adverse weather conditions to prepare for. He enjoyed phone calls with family and friends, as well as helping neighbors with their lawns.

Brian (a.k.a. “Jerry Joe Jim Bob”) was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Brian's last joke that he shared: “What did the monkey say when he got his tail caught in the lawn mower? It won't be long now!”

Brian is survived by siblings, Greg (Kim Weber) of Monroe, Joyce (Gary Unseth) of Viroqua, and Bob (Cyndy) of Monroe; nieces and nephews, Kristina Reinhart (Mike Koehler) and Steven Reinhart, and Karissa, Julia, and Isaiah Carlson; and grand-niece Madison Koehler.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Mary; his brother Rick; and nephew Jeremiah Carlson.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, February 13, 2025, from 10 a.m.-12 p.m., with a memorial service immediately following at 12 p.m. at Vosseteig Funeral Home, 123 W. Decker St. (Hwy 56), Viroqua, WI. A luncheon at the funeral home will follow after the service.

In lieu of flowers, Brian's memorial fund will be set up for his grand-niece Madison. Please make checks payable to Bob Carlson.

Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home & Crematory is serving Brian's family.

123 W. Decker St.

Viroqua, WI 54665

608-637-2100