Renate K. Carlson

Renate K. Carlson

Crystal, MN

Renate K. Carlson died peacefully on Monday, February 24, 2025 surrounded by family while in the tender care of Our Lady of Peace in St. Paul, MN.

Renate was born on August 16, 1955 in Cedar Rapids, IA. She was daughter of Dieter and Frieda (Neumann) Konitzer. Renate was a 1973 graduate of Amana High School, a graduate of St. Luke’s School of Nursing and obtained her bachelor's degree from Mankato State University. She grew up in Middle Amana, IA moving to Mankato, MN upon marriage to John Carlson in 1978. Her professional career was devoted to nursing at Saint Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids, Immanuel-St. Joseph’s Hospital in Mankato, and United Hospital in St. Paul, specializing in the OR.

Upon retirement, Renate served the role of her parents' caretaker in Amana for several years until their passing. A final move to Crystal, MN was made to be able to enjoy time with her grandchildren with whom she cherished. She also dedicated her time to Safe Haven of Iowa County, providing foster care of kittens and assisting in surgical procedures of cats and dogs, utilizing her nursing skills from the operating room. One of her passions was gardening. You could find her outdoors all day during the growing season, tending to vegetables and flowers especially. Winter would find her keeping the bird feeders filled.

Renate was a mini philanthropist supporting organizations such as The Nature Conservancy, The Ocean Conservancy, The National Park Foundation, The Audubon, Special Olympics, and Doctors Without Borders. Her love for nature and social initiatives transcended her monetary contributions. Renate was a very giving person; always concerned for the welfare of others and caretaker whenever the opportunity arose.

Renate is survived by her son Tony Carlson (Sarah Cathey) and grandchild, Naomi, of Winthrop, WA; daughter Andrea Stinley (Matthew) and grandchildren Theodore and Linnea, of Minneapolis, MN. Also surviving are brother Dieter Konitzer of Walcott, IA, sister Rosemarie Carroll of Middle Amana, IA, niece Attalissa Ignoffo and family of South Elgin, IL and nephew Joshua Carroll of San Francisco, CA; brothers- and sisters-in-law, Jim & Colleen Carlson (Winfield), Jeff Carlson (Mt. Vernon), and Lori Krieger (Mt. Pleasant); and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Dieter & Frieda Konitzer, husband John M. Carlson, and son Michael John Carlson.

A private memorial service will be held at a future date yet to be determined. Memorials in honor of Renate may be given to Safe Haven of Iowa County, IA or Our Lady of Peace Hospice of St. Paul, MN.