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Randy J. Carlson

ESCANABA — Randy J. Carlson, 63, of 3121 5th Ave. S., Escanaba, passed away unexpectedly Saturday evening, March 18, 2017, at his home. He was born on March 16, 1954, in Escanaba, the son of Clifford and Doris “Toodie” (LaBumbard) Carlson.

Randy grew up in Rock and was a member of the Rock High School graduating class of 1972 where he excelled in many high school sports. Following high school, he went on to receive a degree in accounting from the Muskegon Business College. Randy worked at Escanaba Machine Company for six years in accounting.

On Sept. 28, 1974, Randy married the former Beth Ranta in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. The couple shared 42 years of marriage together. A few years later, Randy was employed at Peninsula Beverage Company (Pepsi) in Escanaba as their general manager. In 1992, Randy moved his family to Iron Mountain where he became vice president and general manager of Peninsula Beverage Company (Pepsi). Randy also helped the company oversee other interests including Pine Mountain and TimberStone Golf Course until it was sold in 2006. In July of 2011, Randy and his wife, Beth, purchased Hoegh Pet Casket Company in Gladstone. They expanded and added Bay Waters Pet Cremation Services in 2013 to their business. Randy often was a sponsor of Wildlife Unlimited of Delta County and enjoyed attending their annual banquets. He was a member of the Escanaba Elks Lodge 354, the Escanaba Country Club, was an avid Detroit Red Wings and Green Bay Packer fan, enjoyed going to camp, hunting, and spending time outdoors. Randy was devoted to his family, friends, and community and will be missed dearly.

Randy J. Carlson is survived by wife, Beth Carlson of Escanaba; son, Ryan (Kellie) Carlson of Green Bay, Wis.; three grandchildren, Noah, Haylie, and Aidan; mother, Doris “Toodie” Carlson of Rock; brothers, Jeff (Cindy) Carlson of Kingsford, Kim Carlson (Caroline Peterson) of Rock, and Wade Carlson (Kevin McMann) of Kalamazoo; sister, Vicki (Rob) Taylor of Chicago; and several nieces and nephews.

Randy was preceded in death by his father, Clifford Carlson.

Visitation will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. Thursday, March 23, at the Anderson Funeral Home in Escanaba. Funeral services celebrating the life of Randy will follow at 5 p.m. Thursday in the Anderson Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Chris Johnson officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to the Escanaba Salvation Army or Wildlife Unlimited of Delta County.

The Anderson Funeral Homes are assisting the Carlson family and online condolences can be sent at www.andersonfuneralhomes.net.