ESCANABA - Neil R. Carlson, 75, 1410 S. 13th St., Escanaba, passed away late Monday afternoon, July 30, 2012, at his home following a lengthy illness.
Neil was born in Escanaba on June 29, 1937, son of Arthur C. and Agnes E. (Larson) Carlson. He was a lifelong resident of Escanaba. He graduated from Escanaba High School, class of 1955. He continued his education at Michigan State University for two years before entering the Navy in 1960. He served on the U.S.S. Ault before being discharged in 1962. He went on to serve in the Navy Reserves until 1966 when he was honorably discharged. In 1968, he graduated from Northern Michigan University with a degree in social work.
On April 4, 1970, Neil R. Carlson married Charlene A. LaMarch at St. Thomas the Apostle Church.
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Neil R. Carlson
He was employed by the C. Reiss Coal Company sailing on the Great Lakes for two years. He later became a licensing consultant for the state of Michigan, retiring in 1997.
Neil enjoyed duck hunting, target shooting, stock car racing and coffee clutching with friends.
He was a member of St. Anne's Church where he served as a Eucharistic minister and homebound minister. He was a member of the American Legion Post 82, Coast Guard Auxiliary, Great Lakes Rod and Gun Club, member of Ducks Unlimited, Delta County Veterans Council, Marriage Encounter and the Delta County Victims Advocacy Program. He was also a shareholder in the Second Lake Farm.
Among his survivors include his wife, Charlene of Escanaba; four children, Jodi Carlson, Holly (Greg) Thomma, Art (Jessica) Carlson and Catherine Carlson, all of Escanaba; granddaughter, Sloane.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, Aug. 5, from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Crawford Funeral Home in Escanaba with the Delta County Veterans Council services at 4 p.m. and parish prayers at 7 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial for Neil R. Carlson will be held on Monday, Aug. 6, at 11 a.m. at St. Anne's Church with Rev. Fran DeGroot officiating. A luncheon will follow the funeral mass in the church hall.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Neil's name to the family and they will decide on a memorial at a later date.
Burial will be in Holy Cross Cemetery.
The Crawford Funeral Homes are assisting the Carlson family with arrangements.