William 'Wimpy' J. Carlson, 79, of Owatonna, died Monday, July 6, 2009 at Traditions II of Owatonna. He was born January 4, 1930 in Excelsior, Minnesota the son of Oscar and Ida (Swanson) Carlson. Bill graduated from Excelsior High school in 1949 and then graduated from St. Cloud State with his teaching degree, he then served in the Air Force during the Korean War for four years. Bill married Marjorie Timpte January 21, 1955 and the couple moved to Silver Bay, MN where Bill taught school for seventeen years. Bill taught physical education and was a football coach; he also worked as the Athletic Director and as Park and Recreation director for Silver Bay. Bill and Marge moved to Owatonna in 1973 and he served as the county recreation director and the manager of the Four Seasons center, which Bill was very proud of. Bill was very active with high school sports, including coaches and athletes throughout the state, serving on various athletic boards and director of section #1 hockey for the state of Minnesota. Bill''s time for relaxing included golf, Twins, Vikings, North Stars, and the Gophers. Bill was a member of the Elks, and the Owatonna Country Club. He is survived by his wife Marge; daughter, Jodi (and Mark) Conrath of Elk River; son, Bill (and Marilyn) Carlson of Des Moines; son, Bob (and Diane) Carlson of Aurora, IL; seven grandchildren Kara, Andy, Leah, Jeff, Tom, Bailey, and Makayla, and one sister Ruth Hanson of Mesa, AZ. He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers Bob, Don, Earl, and two sisters Helen and Flo, and one granddaughter Marie. Memorial service will be held Friday July 10, 2009 at 11:00 AM at Trinity Lutheran Church with The Reverend John Lestock officiating, visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be in the Forest Hill Cemetery in Owatonna, with honors provided by the Steele County Military Funeral Unit. In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to the Four Seasons Center, Owatonna Hospice or Traditions II of Owatonna. Michaelson Funeral Home is handling arrangements for the family. Visitation: 07/10/2009 10:00 07/10/2009 11:00 Service: 07/10/2009 11:00