L.V. (Joe) Carlson

Mr. Carlson passed away to be with our Lord in Heaven on Wednesday afternoon, February 19, 2014 at his residence at the age of 73 years. The son of the late Leo and Emily Mae (Peake) Carlson, he was born August 21, 1940 in Manistique, MI. He was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church of Amelith. Mr. Carlson attained his Tool and Die apprenticeship from Jetro Corp in Bay City then went on to work for General Motors as a Tool and Die Maker and retired after 31 years of service. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy during the Cuban Crisis and toured in the Mediterranean twice. Mr. Carlson was a very devoted father and grandfather, enjoyed attending sporting events in which his sons participated in , followed his daughter from colleges where she attained her bachelors degree from Alma and her PhD from Mississippi State University and then on to Minnesota where she taught chemistry. He also enjoyed attending plays to watch his grandson Andrew Day who participated at John Glenn High School and then on to U of M with a full ride scholarship. Joe was an avid hunter and loved the outdoors. Left behind to cherish his memory are his wife the former Marcia Lee Sparling whom he married in 1962, his children and their spouses; Joey Carlson, Michael Carlson, John Carlson, Tom and Sara Carlson and Kathryn and Joe Day, his grandsons; Dillion Carlson, Andrew Day and Ryan Carlson, a very devoted sister Linda and her husband; David Fleck, his brothers; David and Robert Carlson. In addition to his parents he was also preceded in death by one brother; Frank Carlson. The family wants to thank Dr. Edward Jackson and Hospice nurses and Mary his Social worker for their loving care of Joe. Funeral and Committal Services will take place Monday, February 24, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at St. John's Lutheran Church of Amelith. Officiating will be Rev. Stephen P. Starke followed by Military Honor's conducted by the Bay County Veterans Council with private burial in Oak Ridge Cemetery. Friends may call at the church on Monday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of services. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider donations to St. John's Lutheran Church of Amelith , Covenant V.N.A. Hospice or the American Cancer Society. www.gephartfuneralome.com