Gary Allen Carlson
Gary Allen Carlson
Gary Allen Carlson, age 76, of Escanaba (Riverland area), lost his long battle with cancer early Wednesday morning, January 14, 2026, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Green Bay, with his family by his side. Gary was born March 29, 1949, in Escanaba, the son of Kenneth J. and Muriel (Roman) Carlson. He graduated from Escanaba Senior High School in 1969. On May 27, 1972, he married the former Donna M. Kamin, and together they shared 53 years of marriage.
Throughout his career, Gary wore many hats. He was employed by the Harnischfeger Company until its closing in 1982. He later worked for Xpress Welding as a seasoned welder and concluded his career with Local 111 Plumbers and Pipefitters, retiring early due to health reasons.
Gary was a devoted member of Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church in Escanaba. Church was an important part of his weekly routine, and he attended most Sundays, more often than not serving as an usher for the congregation.
Gary enjoyed stock-car racing. In his early years, he was a member of the Bobby Iverson Racing Team as a crew member, traveling throughout the Upper Peninsula, Wisconsin, and parts of Canada. His love for auto racing stayed with him throughout his life and became something he especially cherished sharing with his grandson. Together, they regularly attended races in Escanaba and across Wisconsin as spectators.
Gary loved volunteering in his community. He helped the Bark River Lions Club during off-road race events, assisting with concessions and beverages whenever he could. Volunteering at the DNR Pocket Park during fair season also brought him great joy. Teaching kids the sports of fishing and archery was especially meaningful to him, as he loved helping young people experience the outdoors.
Gary is survived by his wife, Donna Carlson; his son, Eric (Ruth) Carlson of Bark River; his daughter, Angela (Curt) Groleau of Bark River; and two grandchildren, Wyatt and Miranda Groleau, who he loved very much. He is also survived by two sisters, Barbara (Bernard) Gagne of Powers and Cheryl (Kenneth) Kamin of Riverland; brothers-in-law Keith (Cindy) Kamin and Rodney (Michelle) Kamin, both of Riverland; along with many nieces and nephews.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents; and his two brothers, Kenneth Carlson and Robert Carlson, both of Escanaba.
Visitation will be held on Monday, January 26, 2026, from 2:00 until 3:30 p.m. at the Anderson Funeral Home, 2200 Ludington St., Escanaba, MI. The funeral service will follow visitation at 4:00 p.m. at the Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church, 615 S. 30th St., Escanaba, MI., with Rev. Paul Doletzky officiating. Lunch will be served after the service in the fellowship hall of the church.