George W. Carter

George Weien Carter, 83, of Red Wing, died Sunday, December 17, 2023 at his home, surrounded by family.  George was a lifelong teacher and coach, educating generations of students on playing fields and courts and in English classes.  He was born June 15, 1940 in Bemidji, Minnesota to George and Margaret (Weien) Carter.  To his parents and big sister, he was “Sonnie”.

George attended Bemidji public schools, graduating from Bemidji High School in 1958.  Sports were part of his life beginning in childhood. He read the newspaper sports page even before starting school.  His family home was often used as the neighborhood ballpark. In high school George played baseball and was the basketball manager. He played town ball for Carr Lake for several years. He went on to attend Bemidji State, graduating in 1962.

George married Margaret Ann Thorkildson of Stephen MN on August 6, 1966 at St. Petri Lutheran Church in Stephen, and they lived in Parkers Prairie and Staples, Minnesota, where he taught English and coached.  In 1969 they moved to Red Wing, where he spent the rest of his career teaching and coaching.  He coached varsity girls’ basketball from 1976 to 1997 in addition to coaching football, baseball, and softball, and serving as athletic director.  Following his official retirement, he continued his dedication to teaching and coaching, working regularly as a substitute teacher, often in special education classes.

George dedicated his life to developing young people, whether through his well-known exacting focus on language and grammar or on discipline and teamwork among his student athletes.  He loved the outdoors and the north shore of Lake Superior, spending time with his family and pets, and driving long distances while monitoring gas mileage.  He was a lover of licorice, sour bears, and circus peanuts; a drinker of vast quantities of black coffee; and a participant in too many community and school activities to name.

He is survived by his wife, Margaret; 2 children, Bruce Carter of Red Wing and Brenda (Adam Solomon) Carter of New Haven, CT; 3 grandchildren, Senna and Caleb Carter Maertens and Myles Carter-Solomon; one sister, Genevieve “Gaga” Lervik of Hibbing; several nieces and nephews; and his loyal cat, Anni.  He was preceded in death by his parents.

George was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, where his memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, January 4, 2024 with Rev. Bill Klavetter officiating.  A recording of the service can be viewed here . Visitation will be 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, January 3, 2024 at Mahn Family Funeral Home, Bodelson-Mahn Chapel and for one hour prior to the service at the church.  Burial will be at a later date at the St. Petri Lutheran Cemetery.

Memorials are preferred to Smile Train, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church of Red Wing, Red Wing Public School Foundation, or donor’s choice.