Capt. Gregory W. Carlin Obituary

Capt. Gregory W. Carlin, 79, of Minneapolis, passed away unexpectedly on May 1, 2026 at the VA Medical Center in Minneapolis, surrounded by family.

Greg was the oldest of seven children born to Edward and Eunice Carlin on May 28, 1946. He graduated from Edina High School in 1964 and from the University of Minnesota in 1968. He became a Captain in the United States Army, where he served until 1972.

Greg had a long and successful career in pharmaceutical sales before later turning his energy and vision toward entrepreneurship. He founded Naturally Northern, a raspberry orchard that has been operating for more than 25 years. He also started an insurance agency and brokerage, both of which continue to operate successfully to this day. Through these ventures, Greg created opportunities for his children, family members, and many others.

Greg’s business accolades were impressive, but what he was most proud of was his family. He married the love of his life, Patty, on April 25, 1969 and became a father of seven and eventually a grandfather of 18 and great-grandfather of 2. His family was the source of his greatest happiness.

When Greg was not working, he enjoyed spending time on the farm, taking “slow runs at the day,” and being with family and friends. He loved traveling with his wife, taking road trips, and visiting historical sites. Greg was active and happiest outdoors, whether working out, spending time on the land, or hiking with his dogs over the years. He was an avid reader, a lifelong learner, and someone whose enthusiasm for knowledge never faded. He was a true American.

Greg is preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Eunice Carlin; his in-laws, Homer and Pat Duffy; and his brother, Robert Carlin.

He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Patty; his children, Mary (Ted) Dougherty, Bridget (Alvaro) Oporta, Tom (Jen) Carlin, Elizabeth (Paul) Carlson, Katie (Dan) Hollerman, Annie (Mike) Nowak, and Michael Carlin; his grandchildren, Jack, Will, Sadie, Charlie and Meghan Dougherty; Isabel and Nicolas Oporta; Eleanor, Caitlin, and Anneliese Carlin; Grace, Emma, and Charlotte Carlson; Mollie and Jimmy Hollerman; Lucy, Lily, and Hania Nowak; and his great-grandchildren, Adeline and Margo Dougherty. He is also survived by his siblings, Cindy Daoud, Deb Skinner, Marion Patton, Edward Carlin, and Martha Carlin.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, May 15, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Olaf’s in downtown Minneapolis with visitation beginning one hour prior. Private interment will take place at Fort Snelling National Cemetery at a later date.

www.GILLBROTHERS.com

https://www.gillbrothers.com/obituaries/Gregory-Ward-Carlin?obId=48325626