It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Earnest Grant Carlstrom, who left us on February 16, 2026, in Duluth, Minnesota at the age of 59. Born in King County, Washington, Earnest was adopted at the tender age of four by Neva and Gordon Carlstrom, bringing light to the lives of his loving family, which also included his two-year-old sister.

Earnest lived all over Minnesota, Cambridge, Rush City, Hinckley, and St. Cloud, with Minnesota holding a special place in his heart and wherever mom and dad were, is where he considered home. He attended school in Cambridge and earned his GED. A skilled welder by trade, Earnest was proud of his work and passionate about life.

Being a member of the Leech Lake Ojibwe, Earnest found joy in his culture and loved to express himself through drawing and writing. He had a special bond with nature, enjoying fishing and was an avid football fan, both playing and watching. Known as a happy roamer and always on the hunt for something—often trouble—Earnest lived life to the fullest.

He was preceded in death by his father, Gordon Carlstrom; his sister, Paige; and his brother, Steven. He is survived by his devoted mother, Neva Carlstrom, along with his sister, Vilee, and brother, Jim. Ernest's family also includes four nephews—Kevin, Sky, Cory, and Christopher; two nieces, Jessica and Shianne; and eight great nieces and nephews—Aven, Oliver, Lance, Mia, Bella, Hadley, Theodore, and Max, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, and relatives. A heartfelt thanks goes out to TJ for their support during this time.

Services for Earnest will be announced at a later date. He will be laid to rest at Clover Cemetery. Let's come together to celebrate a life that was filled with adventure, laughter, and love.