Burton J. Carlsted-Gillis

About Burt

Burton J. Carlsted-Gillis, 83, of Grand Marais, MN (previously Maple Grove), born May 9, 1939, in Minneapolis, passed away on October 29, 2022, after a short battle with cancer.

He is survived by Kim, his loving wife of 40 years; brother and sisters-in-law; Tom (Carol) Dreon, Gayle Dreon, Kathy (Gordy) Nellis, Nancy Simkunas (Glen) and David Carlsted; nieces, nephews, and many relatives. Preceded in death by parents and brothers David and James Dreon.

Burt was in the Army stationed in Germany. He worked at the Ford plant and then was head of maintenance at North High School in Minneapolis until he retired. He enjoyed car racing and was part of his brother Jim’s pit crew. Burt then discovered his inner athlete as he traded his love of cars for a love of running, Nordic skiing, biking, and hiking and that is how he met Kim! They both were avid skiers, participated in many races, and were part of the Nordic Ski community with Roy Carlsted (Kim’s dad). In 1980, Burt had the great experience of working at the Lake Placid Winter Olympics as a timekeeper for Nordic ski events.

When Burt retired, they built a home near Grand Marais embracing the community and the great outdoors. He always had time to help a friend or volunteer where needed. Their many adventures included trips to Norway, Sweden, and Finland as well as countless ski races, marathons, camping, hiking, and biking trips to great places like Nova Scotia, Rocky Mountain National Park, Yosemite, Banff, Glacier, and more.

memorial service

A memorial service was held on November 7, 2022, at St. Timothy Lutheran Church in St. Paul, MN.

A second memorial service at Trinity Lutheran Church in Hovland, MN, has been postponed.