Brett Carlson
November 17, 1977 ~ November 26, 2022
Brett Carlson’s 23 month battle with stage 4 colon cancer was won by Jesus on Saturday, November 26th when he went to his eternal home in heaven. He had just celebrated his 45th birthday. Brett fought until the end and was surrounded by the love of his wife, Renee; their two daughters, Megan and Sarah; sister, Heidi; and a caring hospice nurse. Brett’s life radiated love, hope and positivity.
Brett was born at United Hospital in St. Paul, Minnesota on November 17, 1977 to Tom and Karlene Carlson. He grew up in White Bear Lake. He was proud of his hometown and the educational experience he had through White Bear Lake Area Schools. Brett was extremely active in sports throughout his childhood and into high school where he played football, basketball and baseball. Brett attended the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, where he earned a degree in Social Studies education, was a member of the Sigma Tau Gamma fraternity, worked four summers of Kansas City Chiefs training camps, and met his future wife Renee.
Brett and Renee were married on October 19, 2002. They recently celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary. Their love for each other was unconditional, and they considered their marriage one of their greatest blessings. They were each other’s best friend, biggest fan, teammate, and confidant. They welcomed Megan to the family on October 15, 2007 and Sarah on September 1, 2010. Brett loved Megan and Sarah fiercely and enjoyed watching them learn and grow. He intentionally modeled how they should be cared for and treated by their future husbands by being a loving, kind and hands-on teammate to their mom Renee. Brett encouraged the girls to be themselves while going after their dreams. Spending time as a family, simply sitting on the couches in their living room visiting, was one of Brett’s favorite things to do.
Brett got his first teaching job at Apple Valley High School. He also taught at Champlin Park High School and White Bear Lake Area High School-North Campus. He enjoyed building relationships and making connections with students in the classroom, but he especially loved coaching. Brett coached football, basketball, baseball and track throughout his teaching career. Brett then transitioned into Educational Leadership, and served several administrative roles including Director of Athletics, Activities, and Community Education and Co-Director of Early Learning. He worked at North Branch Area High School, Lakeville North High School, and North Branch Area Public Schools Education Center.
Brett was truly a servant leader and individual, who always put others first. He felt called to speak to students and adults using his cancer diagnosis and journey to share about showing up for others, loving people well, knowing your purpose, the power of a positive attitude and mindset, resiliency, grit, perseverance, and humility. His powerful message was that regardless of who you are, “You’re part of the story.” He spoke to over 20 organizations touching the lives of hundreds and hundreds of people.
Brett will forever be remembered as a devoted follower of Christ whose faith was the cornerstone and guide of his adult life. He spent time with Jesus every morning, reading the bible, journaling, and praying. Brett loved his family deeply and nothing brought him more joy than being with them. He also enjoyed connecting with friends for coffee, watching football, and Twitter. Brett was a natural encourager whose presence and smile lit up a room. He greatly valued people and wanted them to know they mattered. His purpose was to instill hope in the world, and that is exactly what he did.
Brett is survived by his wife Renee Carlson; daughters Megan and Sarah; parents, Tom and Karlene Carlson; inlaws, Gary and Susie Schuetzle; brother, Brandon Carlson (Andrea); sister, Heidi Olson (Ross); sister-in-law, Martha Schuetzle (Dan); 8 nieces and nephews (Alex, Kaitlyn, Aidan, Sophia, Christian, Cameron, Emmett, and Amelia) and countless friends.
A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, December 17th at 10:30 AM, with a gathering of family and friends taking place after the service from 11:30 AM - 1 PM at North Heights Lutheran Church, 1700 County Hwy 96, Arden Hills, MN 55112. A private family burial will be held at Valley Grove Cemetery in Nerstrand, MN.
In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to the family to benefit Brett’s daughters and causes near to his heart.
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Brett you were the coolest- I’m going to miss our chats!! The legacy you left behind will never be forgotten ❤️
Q: Describe where Brett worked and what they did
A: Brett was a student, student athlete, and eventually a Social Studies colleague of mine at White Bear Lake Area High School – North Campus.
His quick laugh and infectious smile will always be what I will remember about him.
Brett was an amazing man and I am so fortunate to have known him. I worked with Brett ever since he became Director of Community Education. He and I organized the candidate forums held every two years for state, county and local races. He was the best moderator I could have ever wished for and he always said it was a lifelong wish of his to moderate candidate forums. He goal was to moderate a governor’s forum. He was a member of the League of Women Voters along with me and was trained by League to moderate. He was such an engaged and excited participant in the training. Laughing, encouraging everyone to share thoughts and was a spokesperson for the break out group. He was the most fun, upbeat, energetic forum moderator I have ever had the good fortune to work with. I am heartbroken at the loss of such a wonderful person. My heart goes out to his beautiful family. He so enjoyed talking about his girls. He will always be in my heart.
Brett was truly an amazing individual who radiated positivity to everyone who he came across in this world. He will be missed by so many of us.
I worked with Brett for a short time at North Campus in WBL and I can truly say that he was one of a kind. I was a young teacher and he always walked by and shared encouraging words. I don’t think I ever saw him have a bad day – or at least show it. And I have distinct memories of a boring PD session at District that he had our whole table laughing the whole way through making it much more tolerable. He was the absolute best!
Renee, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. With deepest sympathy, the Mounds View Principals’ Association
What a lovely memorial to a lovely human being. I went to high school with Brett and remember him as being kind, warm, and full of optimism. He clearly touched many lives. I’m so sorry for your loss. – Sarah Testa
Miss you brother. I’ve lost track of how many times in the last week I saw something or heard something and wanted to text you about it. I will always be grateful for the years we got to spend together! Our deepest sympathies to Brett’s family and friends. He was truly one of a kind!
Brett will be missed by so many of his colleagues. May you be comforted by the outpouring of love surrounding you. With deepest sympathy,
Sending prayers and thoughts to the family.
Sending thoughts and prayers to his friends and family. He made a huge impact on so many people’s lives. You will be missed so much by so many people.
The passing of Brett sent shockwaves through our community. He will be remembered by his love for people and his deeply rooted faith in Christ Jesus.
We look forward to seeing you again!
Brett filled in as an assistant principal at Sunrise Park Middle School for a brief time many years ago. After that, he would always seek me out in a crowd and say hello. He was the type of person the world needs right now. I was shocked and saddened to learn of his passing. His legacy will be the reminder to brighten someone else’s day every day.
My senior year I remember Coach BC as one of the boys coaches but on meet days he was in the stands rooting us all on. I remember trying to figure out what BC stood for, he loved my guesses but the one that stuck was “Chicken Bucket” we had so many laughs from track practice, meet days, to days seeing him in the gym during the school day. He was an incredible light and educator to any student or athlete he crossed paths with. Always had a smile on his face ready to make a lasting impact. I am apart of the Champlin Park Class of 2006, when I saw a fellow Rebel post the news my heart shattered! I am so sorry that his family lost truly one of the good ones! Chicken Bucket your memory, your smile, and your passion lives on through all of us! Thank you for making a lasting impact during the hard teenage years of life!
I always enjoyed the time in the 138 (NBAPS) BC & I shared together. The majority of that time was spent laughing .. telling stories .. or clowning around. We made it a point to laugh every time we were together.
FLY HIGH BC & thanks .. for all of those moments.
So sorry for your loss. I enjoyed seeing Brett across the aisle at Eagle Brook Church and his smile and hello was always an encouragement. You are all in our prayers.
Dean and Lisa Jennissen (Chisago Lakes Supt.)
Brett brought so many gifts to our life. We will never forget him! He always brought his smile and wonderful personality to any room he entered.
With deepest sympathy,
Brett and I had the opportunity to work the Kansas City Chiefs Summer Training Camp at UW-River Falls 1998, 1999, 2000 and 2001 and have been friends ever since. I could say so many positive things about our many experiences together, but everyone who knew and loved Brett can say the same, and knows what I’m talking about! It’s really impressive how he’s kept in touch and nurtured our friendship over the last twenty years with his active career, extra curricular activities and raising his two amazing girls. His attitude over the last two years since he was diagnosed has been extraordinary. I’m grateful that Renee was there at his side. Even though Brett and I talked or texted regularly, and saw each other occasionally, I never heard a negative or discouraging word from him. His enthusiasm, smile, and positive attitude were wonderful attributes and he will be sorely missed by us all.
Q: What will you miss most about Brett?
A: I will miss his laugh and smile being so nice
Brett was a real asset to White Bear Lake, as student/athlete and later as a teacher/coach.
Brett was a pleasure to work with, he had a super attitude, worked hard and played with happiness.
Brett was a good man. He will be missed by many.
I was glad to have known him.
With heartfelt condolences,
With deepest sympathy,
Brett served on the Lakes Center for Youth and Families’ Board of Directors for many years. His dedication to all community members will be remembered fondly. His positive attitude, optimistic outlook and care and concern for all were evident each day. We are fortunate to have known Brett and to have worked with him.
LC4YF Board of Directors and Staff
Forever in our thoughts and prayers.
Brett made everyone feel valued and treasured. May we all continue his legacy of Servant Leadership, unconditional love for everyone, and a relentless passion for hope.
Brett you will always be part of our story. We were truly blessed by your presence in our lives.
We have all heard that “people may not remember what you said, but they will remember how you made them feel.” I will always remember his infectious smile, and I cannot recall a single interaction with him that didn’t brighten that day!
There was, and indeed still is, a light in Brett. Jesus said in the Gospel, according to Matthew, to “let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
Brett was a light and a gift, and for all his accomplishments, I will never forget the example that he left to all who knew, loved, and cherished him.
With deepest sympathy and much love,
Jeff, Julie and Zach Landt
Brett was my principal last year as my first year as a kinder teacher at the Ed center. He was the most positive person I have ever met. He encouraged me and trusted my professional abilities. He was also my friend who always asked about my family, my background, my life. He made me feel like he truly cared. He was an amazing administrator, and he will be missed. Many condolences to his family and this incredible loss.
Many Blessings,
Sarah Izzo
I will never think of Brett without heartbreak over losing him, but I will also never think of him without being energized and inspired. That’s what happens when you’re around Brett, and that’s what happens at the mere remembrance of his presence. Brett had a major effect on my life, and it was always positive. I liked to tell him he was full of irrational confidence, and boundless optimism in the face of any situation. No matter how “irrational” that confidence could be, it was always contagious. I’m devasted at losing him, but also beyond grateful that I had the opportunity to know him, to joke with him, coach and teach with him, and be around his spirit and energy. He’ll always be with me.
Mr. Carlson played a formative role in my high school coming of age, both as football & baseball coach and as a teacher within the upstart International Baccalaureate program at Champlin Park. His kind, steady presence along with a great sense of humor made going to class/practice every day a true joy. When I left for college, I decided to pursue a degree in history – with Mr Carlson’s mentorship largely influencing that pursuit. I’ve often found myself wondering where life had since taken him, and hoping one day I could share the impact his kindness made on kids he might not even remember. While I know he’s now aware from his perch high above, I hope this message can provide some fond warmth to his friends and family. Brett was a coach, teacher, and friend that left an outsized impact on the subsequent direction of my life. He served as an example for the man I hoped to become, and I’m so grateful to have known him.