A Legacy that Nourishes
Kathleen Carlson believed that caring for people meant meeting their most basic needs with dignity, consistency, and compassion.
That belief was shaped early. Kathleen, along with her husband Robert, grew up in small rural Minnesota communities where giving back wasn’t something you talked about, it was something you did. Their parents emphasized education, service, and responsibility to others, values that stayed with them throughout their lives.
Kathleen carried those values into her career as a hospital nurse, where she saw firsthand how closely health and nutrition are connected. She understood that food is foundational. A child’s ability to learn, grow, and thrive often begins having access to food to support healthy development.
Kathleen’s generosity was not flashy or public. Instead, it showed up in a quiet, steady way through a simple monthly investment she made for more than 60 years in Minnesota Power. Month after month, year after year, she invested in the future, without knowing exactly how that care would one day ripple outward.
Following Kathleen’s passing, her family faced an important decision: how to honor her life in a way that truly reflected who she was and what she cared about most.
Together with Boreal Waters Community Foundation, the family established the Kathleen M. and Robert M. Carlson Food Security Fund, an endowed fund created in Kathleen’s memory and grounded in her lifelong commitment to nutrition, health, and community well-being.
The fund provides ongoing support to Second Harvest Northland, recognizing the critical role the regional food bank plays in addressing hunger and strengthening families across northeastern Minnesota. Through this partnership, the Carlson family is helping ensure that children, families, and seniors have access to nutritious food well into the future.
Kathleen’s legacy now shows up in stocked shelves, healthy meals, and families supported during times of uncertainty. It is care made visible, continuing to nourish others long after her lifetime.
For community members considering how they want to make a difference, the Carlsons’ story is a powerful reminder: meaningful impact doesn’t require grand gestures. Sometimes it begins with small, consistent choices, and a belief that caring for others is one of the most important investments we can make.
If you’re curious about establishing an endowed fund or learning how your philanthropy can create long-term impact, our development team is here to help. We’d welcome a conversation about your goals and how Boreal Waters Community Foundation can support your vision. Learn more >>