Albert Edward Carlson was born December 18, 1929 to John Edward Carlson and Helen ("Nellie") Elizabeth Carlson (nee Deighton) on the SE 1/4 of 30-45-20. He received his education at Kirkton School. When he was young, Albert would help his father at the farm until winter, at which point he would work elsewhere. At age 16, he went to La Pas Lumber Camp at Carrot River, Saskatchewan with John Ericson and Ernest Hendrickson. Another winter, he drove caterpillar at Meyers Camp in the bush. In 1952, Albert worked on the Lynne Lake railroad at Sheridon, Manitoba. Albert took over the family farm after the death of his father in 1953. In 1957, he married Audrey Carlson (nee Johnson) at the Zion Lutheran Church in Kinistino, Saskatchewan. They had five children.