Nels R. Carlson, surrounded by family and friends, passed peacefully on November 22, 2025.  His early life started in Lakewood, NY with extended family throughout the town and a family camp in the woods nearby. Here by the lake and in the forests, Nels started his love of nature.  His family moved to Clifton Park, NY where he completed high school.  Thereafter, work and dreams carried Nels to live in Wyoming, Colorado and Hawaii; and later he settled in Wellesley, MA to help raise his children and then to Watkins Glen, NY.  During Covid, he moved to Natick, MA to be closer to his children and grandchildren.

He was adventurous; traveling to Alaska, Peru, Bolivia, Australia and New Zealand – and passionate about music attending festivals throughout the year.  He camped, fished, skied, fossil hunted, and loved walks in the woods.  As a consummate story teller, friends enjoyed his humorous and exciting tales.

With enthusiasm and a bright smile, Nels lived a full life and left those he loved with precious memories.  He is survived by his son, Nels Carlson and his wife, Bertha Lee; his daughter, Cassidy Herren and her husband, Andrew Herren; his grandchildren Gisela, Bradley, Jacob and William; his brother Dan Carlson; his sisters Dawn Carlson and Tanya Carlson and her partner Brian Boivin; his niece Daisha Dilker; nephew Dustin Dilker; and his long-time close friend, Sue Lecuyer.

Friends and family will be invited to a celebration of Nels's life to occur at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Nels R. Carlson may be made to Joslin Diabetes Center by joslin.org/giving .