Carl Otto Nehlsen was born in Windom, Minnesota, on May 5, 1930, to John and Anna Marie (Rodenborg) Nehlsen. He was baptized as an infant and later confirmed at the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Our Savior in Windom on April 30, 1944. In his youth, Carl took care of the family farm in Windom after attending Bingham Lake school. On February 6, 1960, Carl was married to Marlies Helbing in a civil ceremony, and as was the custom, they married in church the following day in Wedel-Holstein, Germany. Shortly after that, they returned to the Windom community, where they made their home. Into their family, Carl and Marlies adopted three children, Craig, Markus, and Becky. Carl was an active member of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Windom, assisting with various activities within the church. He worked for Toro for 30 years until his retirement. Carl enjoyed gardening, feeding the farmhouse cats, and loved watching the birds at the multiple feeders around the family home. He loved playing Uno, Spades, and Jenga, frequently taking extra turns to make sure his opponent paid attention. His favorite meal was Kentucky Fried Chicken and apple pie or stopping at the Hi-Lo Supper Club in Lakefield, MN., for fish and onion rings. His grandchildren recall his fun character, always making them laugh with pranks and jokes, reading his Bible and doing daily devotions, and driving around his hometown reminiscing about his younger years. In 2018, Carl moved to Minot, North Dakota, following some health issues and to be closer to his family until his death on May 14, 2021. Carl is survived by his son, Craig Carl Nehlsen of Phoenix, AZ; his son, Markus Guenter and Lori Nehlsen of Minot, ND; his daughter-in-law, Marissa Nehlsen of Minot, ND; his grandchildren, Kadeem Nehlsen of Omaha, NE; Alexandra Nehlsen and Kelden Gange of Minot, ND; Gabriel Nehlsen of Minot, ND; Danielle Nehlsen of Minot, ND; Damion Mueller of Sioux Falls, SD; and three great-grandchildren, Chance, Hazel, and Luka Nehlsen. He was preceded in death by his wife, Marlies, in 2002; and his daughter, Becky, in 2017. Blessed be his memory.