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One of his more memorable adventures was spending a month sailing in the Pacific on a 27-foot sailboat.

George Randolph Carleton IV, of Merrifield, died Thursday, August 6, 2026, at Essentia Health – St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Brainerd.

George was born in Independence, Missouri—a town that seemed fitting for a man with a fiercely independent spirit. After graduating from Crosby-Ironton High School, he continued his education at Moorhead State University. He worked for a few years as a social worker at the Brainerd State Hospital before completing his career as an electrical inspector at Nortech.

George had an adventurous spirit and loved to travel. His journeys took him to the Bahamas, Graceland, Hurricane Mills, Branson, Missouri, and many other places. One of his more memorable adventures was spending a month sailing in the Pacific on a 27-foot sailboat, with a HAM radio to keep him company.

Music was another lifelong passion. George enjoyed both listening to and playing music, including spending time as a drummer in a band. He attended Moondance Jam for more than 15 years and was arguably the Rolling Stones’ number one fan. He also was an avid racer of hydroplanes.

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He was arguably the Rolling Stones’ number one fan.

George was also a member of the Wealthwood Gun Club, where he served as a firearms safety instructor for 12 and older hunters and past president.

He met his fourth—and final—wife, Harriett, through the personal ads in the newspaper. But it may have been Harriett’s meatloaf and scrambled eggs that truly won him over. George loved her cooking, and together they shared 23 years of marriage.

The last five years brought many challenges as George endured cancer treatments, a knee replacement and leg amputation, as well as gallbladder surgery. After a long and difficult journey, his family and friends are grateful that he is now at peace.

George will be dearly missed by his wife, Harriett (Steece); children, Christopher (Amy) Carleton, George “Randy” Carleton V, Theresa (Clint Meyer), and Sheila (Dave Boldt); 10 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; stepson, Nicholas Edwards; brothers, Robert, John (Caroline), and Rick (Martine); and his beloved cat, Solomon.

He was preceded in death by his parents and stepson, Michael Edwards.

Please join George’s family for a Celebration of Life on Friday, August 14, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Nelson-Doran Funeral Home in Brainerd. Family and friends are invited to gather one hour prior to the service and stay for a light lunch and fellowship afterward. Interment will take place at Memorial Gardens by Evergreen Cemetery Association.