Local News

(WCCO) Brian Gotter, former WCCO Meteorologist

Dear Nancy,

I am so sorry for your loss. You, your family and friends are in our thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time. You and Bill have a love most people will never get the pleasure to experience and it was always a joy to see you two together. Your personalities, smiles and love for each other and for everyone, lit up a room when you walked in. When I would ask Bill how you were doing, his eyes would sparkle ... you are everything to him. He will always be with you. While it may be hard to smile during these sad times, never stop being who you are ... it is what Bill and all of us love.

You know how much Bill meant to his friends and the people of Minnesota. All the messages posted by the viewers just confirmed what we already knew…Bill was loved, admired and respected by everyone. I had the honor to work with a legend in the business for 3 years and I learned so much from him. Most people welcomed Bill into their homes for decades, some had the pleasure to meet him in person at charity functions or at the State Fair and very few had the pleasure to work with him. Only YOU got to share a life with a great man and friend.

It was an honor to be asked to be a part of the Tribute to Bill last Saturday morning on CCO. I had not been in Minnesota for 6 months before last Friday and it was not a coincidence ... I was supposed to be there to pay tribute to my friend. He is already missed.

You will always be in our thoughts and prayers. We miss and love you.

Brian, Tina and Ali Gotter

"He's gentle, he's kind, he brings you in ... we lost a great person, he was phenomenal."
-As said by Brian Gotter, former WCCO Meteorologist on WCCO Saturday Morning for March 1, 2008.

Charlotte Rohwedder, former WCCO employee

I worked part-time at the front desk at WCCO studios (on 9th Street next to the Radio City Theater) from 1964 to 1969. Bill Carlson was always so polite and charming, never a bad word about anyone. I loved him then and I love him still. I continued to be an avid fan and watcher of the noon news – because of Bill! – Charlotte Rohwedder (age:96) .. and daughter, Virginia (age: never-you-mind)

Jon Carlson, filmmaker

Dear WCCO Family--I have so many wonderful memories of the time I spent working and being with Bill Carlson. Permit me to relate a few of them, from the perspective of one of his photographers and editors. We share a surname, and often when we met interview subjects on location, they would ask if we were related. He would chuckle when I'd answer, "He's my uncle," and return to setting the lights and camera. Though we've only seen each other a few times during the twelve years since I left WCCO, I still feel like part of his family and will miss him like a nephew.

I first worked with Bill in 1977, shooting with a 16mm film camera and editing his feature, "Scene at the Fair." I shot and edited four stories in that series. I saved them. I am proud of them. The titles provide a glimpse at Bill's love of the arts and culture: "Fine Arts," about the state-wide juried competition for painting and sculpture, "Heritage Farm," about the agricultural history exhibit with actors in costumes, "Brush Painter," a portrait of an artist, and "Giant Slide," probably in its first year of operation! I remember how excited Nancy Nelson was when Bill first introduced us at the staff door of the CCO Building. "Bill has told me all about you and I've seen your photography," she bubbled. "He's so happy to be working with you." Bill and Nancy valued my talent and creativity, and told me so. I've been smiling ever since.

During the next four years, I photographed and edited features with Bill for the shows he was producing. For "This Must Be The Place," his weekend late-night talk show, we interviewed George Burns and John Denver (in Los Angeles) about their film "Oh God," and Paul Dooley (in studio) for "Breaking Away." In 1979 I remember racing over to Central Lutheran Church to interview Cloris Leachman, Gary Busey and Tony Randall when the crew of "Foolin' Around" was filming the final wedding scene there.

Bill worked in front of the cameras for the Aquatennial and Winter Carnival parades WCCO used to televise live in those days. I was part of the crew. He always treated us with the respect of a fellow craftsman. He was a tireless producer/writer, often arriving for the early morning shift after an overnight flight from LA or New York. He was prolific and filled more airtime than any producer I've ever worked with (including Jack Brown!) Despite the stress of daily deadlines, Bill was unflappable. His interview technique, calm and generous, relaxed his subjects who revealed personal insights usually reserved for more private conversations.

In 1980 we covered the Tony Awards in NYC for "Midday." It was my favorite 'press junket' with Bill. We interviewed Helen Hayes, Mickey Rooney, Ann Miller, Judd Hirsch, Anthony Perkins, Tony Roberts, Patti Lapone and John Rubenstein. That summer we followed Minnesota kids participating in the "Close-Up" program in Washington, D.C. Besides filming the students visiting the nation's capitol, including the newly-opened C-SPAN studios, Bill carried my tripod to interviews with Joan Mondale, wife of the Vice-President, and Senator Dave Durenberger, in their respective homes.

The well-known celebrities (I can prove) I filmed with Bill for "Midday" between 1977 and 1981 included Sammy Davis, Jr., Liv Ullman, director Jean-Luc Godard, Lauren Bacall (her autobiography), Jane Fonda and Tom Hayden ("9 to 5"), Susan Strasburg, Charles Bronson and Lee Marvin for "Death Hunt," Brooke Shields for "Endless Love," producer Joseph Mankiewicz, Pat and Shirley Boone, maestro Neville Marriner (MN Orchestra), violinist Pinchas and flutist Eugenia Zuckerman (St. Paul Chamber Orchestra), composer Michel LeGrand, Congresswoman Bella Abzug, reporters Morley Safer and Charles Kuralt, tennis pioneer Wilma Rudolph, and dancers Lorand and Anna Andahazy of the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo. I am only one of the dozens of CCO photographers who has a list like this. Let me presume to speak for all of us: we loved any assignment we could get with Bill.

In early 1981, Bill produced "Flight of Freedom" with Fred Travalena and Sandy Shire. The story combined his love of animals, birds of prey, in this case, and a contemporary political event. To publicize the work of the Raptor Center at the University of Minnesota and commemorate the return of the hostages from Iran, Bill (and Nancy) took a rehabilitated eagle (and veterinarians, handler and photographer) to Washington, D.C. I filmed the eagle visiting Senator Rudy Boschwitz at the Senate Office Building. The bird, named "Freedom," also appeared on the stage of Constitution Hall during Travalena and Shire's performance for the hostages. With Ron Hinze, I photographed and edited a half-hour special.

The eagle was released on the river bluff park in Prescott, WI. On Labor Day 2006, all of us involved in the production of the story were among the honored guests who gathered there to celebrate the dedication of the new Visitor Center at "Freedom Park," named for the eagle. I had seen Bill and Nancy once a few years before at their annual Oscar party. Like family separated by circumstance, we picked up where we left off, happy to see each other again, trading news of work, friends and family. Bill was fighting for his health, but I never suspected it seeing his perpetual smile at the festivities and his focus on everybody else (especially his own mother, Nancy's dad and daughter Bryan Olson Susie and her family). As always, I was blessed to share in the love Bill and Nancy offered every being in their presence.

Thanks, Bill, for being my 'Uncle Bill.' I carry my memories of you like family. Viva, Esquinkla!

Pat Brown, NBC 7/39 San Diego Weather Anchor, former WCCO PM Magazine co-host from 1982 to 1985)
It seems like only yesterday that I was walking in the front door of WCCO-TV every morning on my way to co-hosting "PM Magazine." So when news reached me here at my home in San Diego early this week of Bill's passing, it hit me like I'd just talked with Bill yesterday. I remember Bill's easy smile and happy attitude. He was always so nice to be around. He was the same on and off camera. In this crazy business of broadcasting, there aren't too many like Bill Carlson. I am a better person for having known him and so are the thousands and thousands of people he touched in person and across the airwaves. God Bless you, Bill and Nancy too.

Bill Hudson, WCCO-TV anchor

Thank You Bill!

I just need to say it one more time!

"Hello, Welcome to 'WCCO 4 News at Noon, I'm Bill Hudson sitting in today for Bill Carlson ..."

Never could I have been more proud and honored than to say those simple words, over these 18 difficult months. While I have occupied his anchor chair for these many months, I haven't come close to filling his shoes.

There are so many of us who've been blessed by the broadcast gods who dropped us into the world of Bill Carlson. We've been lucky enough to call him a colleague, a mentor and a friend.

For me, it began when I was just a child growing up on a steady diet of channel 4.

I watched him first do weekend weather, where he partnered with Bud Kraehling. Later on he hosted a Saturday night entertainment show called, "This Must Be the Place! Combined with Dave Moore's "Bedtime Nooz," it was local programming at its finest!

When my parents brought us Hudson kids to the State Fair, we too stood in the crowd of people. Under the shade of those grand elms we watched Bill Carlson, the local TV celebrity, perform and entertain fairgoers live and in person. Perhaps it was some intuitive sense of watching Bill at the fairgrounds that stuck with me through the teen years, predetermining my own broadcast career.

Bill was fond of recounting his own early years, when growing up near the fairgrounds; he would earn extra money parking cars of fair visitors. He could rattle off a list of early State Fair entertainers and knew the history of its every facet. It's safe to say that our State Fair has lost its biggest fan, ardent historian and most popular celebrity!

In watching Bill, first as a viewer and later a colleague, one thing became clearly evident. He gave everyone the utmost attention and respect. He was the most decent man I have ever known! He had class!

Whether interviewing the newest "Princess Kay of the Milky Way," or "Monte the Python Man" ... a Hollywood star or Humane Society guest, Bill was at ease with a microphone and camera. He had that unique gift of making everyone feel so comfortable in his presence.

Despite his jet-setting lifestyle and endless schedule of satellite interviews, it seemed Bill always had time to stop and chat. Not once in the 19 years of working here at 'CCO did he ever pass by my desk without dropping a warm, "Hello Bill, how's it going?" But the thing that made him standout is that he always meant it! He cared so passionately about not only the business of broadcasting, but also the people!

He was especially fond of sharing tales of who he'd just interviewed or had dinner with. He took special pride in being able to steer people to a must see film or the occasional one they should avoid. He turned his love of entertainment into one of the most distinguished critic's careers Hollywood has ever seen.

One of my favorite conversations with Bill was the story he retold about his exclusive interview with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. just one week before the assassination. Dr. King was visiting the Twin Cities and Bill pulled some strings to arrange an interview. In true MLK fashion he was running far behind schedule. Not to worry, Bill just hopped into the back seat of King's car and conducted the interview while riding out to the MSP International Airport.

It didn't matter who was at the other end of his questions, Bill treated all his guests with care and respect! He asked questions that viewers at home would be wondering. But the attribute that made Bill such a great interviewer was the fact that he was a great listener! That is something we can all strive to be better at!

There are so many stories of Bill's generosity and kindness, from his dedication to the Humane Society and Raptor Center to sheltering newly released prisoners through the program, Amicus. His heart was boundless and he shared it with everyone.

There wasn't a time that I did an outdoors story involving wildlife or injured raptors that Bill didn't have offer his thoughts. In fact, many of those stories he generated and gave to me knowing my love for the outdoors. You could feel his love for animals of all kinds, evidenced by the many pets in Bill and Nancy's home.

I shall forever be grateful for the mentorship Bill provided me and so many other WCCO interns. Nothing brought him greater pleasure than to see young, would-be journalists land in the business and vault to new career highs. WCCO has turned out so many, many accomplished journalists and personalities over the years, but none more durable, respected and humble than Bill Carlson.

His 50-plus years in TV and radio are what legends are made of. He made a mark in broadcasting that no one will ever achieve again. And to me his lasting legacy will be the kind of high standards, integrity and decency that he pushed all of us to strive for each and every day of his long career!

Karen Leigh, WCCO-TV anchor

Bill's health struggles kept him out of the station most of my time at WCCO, but I feel as if I knew him simply because so many people here talked of him so frequently and fondly. It's an understatement saying he touched so many lives…because he did much more than that.
His warm smile and gentle spirit will linger well past these difficult days.

Take care Nancy…your zest for life and strong spirit will carry you through.

Sincerely,
Karen

Christina Munoz, KATV Channel 7 News

Just wanted to let you know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers. I've enjoyed watching the stories about Bill on your website.

I always remember being so stunned at how nice he was to me when I was a production assistant there. He'd make time for me and ask me about things going on in my life. I only worked the same schedule as he for three months but even after that, he would always remember something about me whenever I saw him. It really meant a lot. Especially for someone who considered him to be such a star.

Karla Hult, former WCCO-TV reporter

In a business that is often frantic, at times even, impolite, Bill was the exception. He was always kind, always dignified; the wise and good man in the newsroom. I enjoyed working with him for two years on the noon newscast, otherwise known as "the newscast with Bill Carlson." He showed me support and kindness on all days -- and especially those days when the story or circumstances were most challenging. Bill Carlson was a good journalist, yes, and an amazing anchor. But most importantly, he was the person we should all strive to be: respectful and loving, generous of his time and talents. As sad as I am to know he's no longer here... I'm grateful for his time with our community... with me.

I'll think of and pray for Bill's family and especially, Nancy. I do hope she finds some comfort in knowing how much her husband was loved.

Best,
Karla Hult

Ben Tracy, former WCCO-TV reporter

Long before I became a reporter at WCCO-TV, I was actually Bill Carlson's intern. It was the summer between my freshman and sophomore years in college and I was assigned to help Bill with his entertainment beat. I had to admit that at first I was disappointed by interning for the "entertainment" reporter and not doing "real" news. Well...that all changed as soon as I met Bill.

From my first day, Bill treated me like a colleague and not the 19 year-old college student I was. One of my favorite memories of that summer was traveling with Bill to New York City to attend movie screenings and interview the stars. He was so generous with his time and willing to let me see how every aspect of his job worked.

However, Bill was a great teacher about so much more than the movies. He had wonderful perspective on the news business overall and answered my endless string of questions about how I could some day have a job like his. What I didn't know at the time was that the more important lesson I was learning was not just how to be a better journalist, but a better person. Bill was gracious and kind. He always saw the best in others and wanted to help them succeed. When I returned to WCCO in 2004 as a reporter, Bill told me how proud he was that I had made it back. I told him how grateful I was to him for helping me get there. You were a great man Bill and I miss you.

Mark Rosen, WCCO Sports Director

Author, talk show host and former ball player, Joe Garagiola once said upon entering a clubhouse for the first time, "it's a place where the guys on the bubble gum cards come alive." I felt the same way entering the WCCO Television building on 9th and LaSalle back in 1969 as a high school junior, looking around and seeing the likes of Dave Moore, Bud Kraehling, Hal Scott and Bill Carlson.

I was always in awe of Bill's smooth style on television, hosting a late night Saturday evening entertainment show called, "This Must be the Place." I will never forget how welcoming he was to this kid hanging around where the pro's work.

My father, Joe, knew Bill from all my Dad's years at Paramount Pictures and not one conversation would go by with Bill without asking him about new movies coming out or tidbits about the stars he interviewed.

Bill Carlson was the consummate professional, always respectful of the people who worked with him and the ones he interviewed. As I stare over at his desk, filled to the brim with unopened movie clips, I think to myself, what would Bill think of that new film?

I am so going to miss his answers.

Eric Henderson, WCCO.COM web producer

As a fellow movie enthusiast, I was privileged to work with Bill putting together a project that sadly but perhaps appropriately ended up being his swan song for WCCO-TV when he shared his picks for last week's Academy Awards. It turned out to be a project he felt very passionate about, and I knew working with him just how much admiration he had for the entertainment institution, and also how much his audience respects him and has missed hearing his "Hits & Misses" views as of late.

I initially asked him if he would be gracious enough to simply share his predictions. But with total enthusiasm, he e-mailed back almost immediately, submitting not only detailed analyses of myriad Oscar races, but also including thoughts on who he thought deserved to win and who should have been nominated but weren't. It was more than I could've hoped for. We traded a few more e-mails during the course of the week, talking movies. I off-handedly pitched the idea for a weekly TV program wherein Twin Cities movie buffs could all gather for an impromptu movie discussion forum, suggesting he would make a fantastic host. Looking back to that exchange from only a week ago, it's saddening but heartening to consider how deeply he wanted to return to WCCO-TV, and it's our regrettable loss that it won't happen.  

Tim Lammers, friend and former colleague

No matter what obstacles Bill faced over the years, personal or professional, I would often hear him remark, "No matter what happens, it's going to be great." That beam of light sums up who Bill was and will always be.

First as an intern in 1991, and an associate and friend ever since, there was always one constant I found with Bill: He had an ability like none other to inspire people in a positive sort of way, whether it be through his work as a dedicated journalist who had an extraordinary handle on the craft of film reporting, interviewing and news anchoring; or a caring friend, who along with his wife, Nancy, you could always depend on to drop everything on a moment's notice to be there in a moment of need -- or simply someone you could count on for advice or a laugh to brighten your day.

He was that sort of positive influence for me and for my family for the 17 years that we were privileged to know him, and I owe him my career as film reporter and boundless, positive outlook on life for it. What I have always promised to do - or anybody can do that knew him - is to continue to try to inspire people the way Bill inspired us, with his kindness, compassion, honesty and dedication to making this world a better place. Passing along this inspiration - this positive influence - will ensure that Bill will always be here with us. Our love, thoughts and prayers are with Nancy and the rest of Bill's family.

Andrea Paukert Krinke, former producer of WCCO 4 News at Noon

Bill never treated me like the pushy, big-mouthed, sharp-tongued, obnoxious, young punk I was.

Darrell Brand, former WCCO cameraman

My condolences to all the Carlson family. I first met Bill in the early sixties when he and other WCCO employees frequently visited my fathers Camera store - just down the street on 9th. Little did I know, that a few years later, I would be working side by side with Bill as a cameraman. Back in the 1970's, we shot " 16 MM film" at WCCO and nobody knew the medium better than Bill.

He was a true professional and most of all a " really nice guy". He will be missed by all of us in the industry. Peace to all!

Darrell Brand- Palm
City, Florida

Jane Marie Fieger from Nemer Fieger Marketing Agency

"I think both professionally and personally -- everyone who ever met Bill and Nancy -- they touched their lives certainly. I think ... many of the interns have gone on to have amazing positions both on the camera and behind the camera and hopefully they'll continue that class along"

- As said by Jane Marie Fieger from Nemer Fieger Marketing Agency on WCCO Saturday Morning for March 1, 2008.

Michael Brindisi, artistic director of the Chanhassen Dinner Theater

"With Bill it was always just fun and relaxed ... in a way to be interviewed by him was to be interview by the star. He was, in my opinion a star."

- As said by Michael Brindisi, artistic director of the Chanhassen Dinner Theater on WCCO Saturday Morning for March 1, 2008.


Don Stolz, the founder of the Old Log Theater

"I don't think you can be in the business ... and be as kind, as concerned, and as compassionate as he was without that being the legacy itself. He was well liked by everyone in the entertainment business ... and when you develop all those years or that kind of relationship, it's going to endure and it's going to be what you would be remembered for."

- As said by Don Stolz, the founder of the Old Log Theater on WCCO Saturday Morning for March 1, 2008.

Patricia A. Mitchell, President and CEO of Ordway Center for the Performing Arts

Bill Carlson was always a well respected anchor and reporter. In a world where many in broadcast media believe that the arts were not "real" news, Bill Carlson continued to understand the value of the arts to our lives, and gave his arts and entertainment coverage the respect it deserved.


Greg Snow, WCCO Newscast Director

It was such an honor to work with Bill and direct the noon news with him for the last 11 years. When I first arrived at WCCO in 1997 Bill reached out and made me feel a part of the family. It's hard to hold the tears back. In the summer of 2006 I had open heart surgery, the first day I was in regular room I woke up groggy and saw Bill's smile and heard his wonderful voice. I will never forget how much his visit meant to me. The world is a much sadder place tonight, but the thousands and thousands of people that Bill has touched can rejoice in his memory.

My family and I miss you Bill.  Greg Snow


Fred Travalena, Friend and Family Spokesman

I am one of the privileged people who knew (Bill) for many years and loved him for many years.  And I watched him wage a very courageous battle that a lot of people would have quit long before he did.  Actually, the truth is Bill didn't quit.  His body quit."

Audra Charlebois, Former WCCO-TV Producer

Knowing and working with Bill has been one of the greatest honors of my life. I have never known a man like him. He is the definition of kind, honest and generous. He was my dear, dear friend and I already miss him more than I could ever express in words.

Tonight as I rocked my baby to sleep -- the baby Bill held when she was just 10 days old -- I sang her a song that I used to sing in a choral group. I didn't know Bill had passed away yet, but I sang to her, "No more night, no more pain; no more tears, never crying again. Praises to the great I Am. We will live in the light of the risen Lamb!" I can rejoice that Bill is living in the light of his Savior right now.

Right now, my baby is sleeping with a teddy bear Bill gave her for Valentine's Day just after she was born. He is so precious to me and my family. We love you, Bill. We can't wait to see you again! love, Audra


Sonya Goins, WCCO-TV producer

Bill Carlson was a friend ... confidant and co-worker. I started producing the noon show with Bill in the summer of 1998. I was excited to have the opportunity to work an experienced journalist. He was the epitome of professionalism. My best memories are of Bill at the Minnesota State Fair. He loved the fair -- mainly because of the crowds. We couldn't do a State Fair Show without his favorite -- an albino snake from Monty's House of Reptiles. I recently interviewed Bill on Monday about Minnesota movie makers at the Academy Awards. Needless did I know that it would be the last time I would see Bill. I will greatly miss my friend.

Jeff Strickler, Movie Critic


In a story re-posted Friday on the Minneapolis Star Tribune's Web site, movie critic Jeff Strickler wrote in 1997, "(Bill's) work was so smooth and seemed so effortless that he reminded me of Ted Williams swinging a baseball bat: You don't appreciate how hard the job is until you try it yourself.   And he is generous to a fault. Even though I was working for a competitor, he would share stories and information about the people we were interviewing. Then again, he had no reason to fear my competition. Although he never would have said it, we both knew that even on my best day I wasn't as good as he was on his worst day."

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