Walter E Carlson

Walter Carlson, 95, of Crystal Falls, passed away on Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2015, at the Iron County Medical Care Facility, where he had been a resident for the past 27 months. He was born June 30, 1920 at the family home in Balsam, the son of Gottfred and Maria (Jacobson) Carlson. He started attending the Balsam school at the age of 3, graduating from the Crystal Falls High School at the age of 16. Among his early jobs as a teenager, in addition to working on the family farm, he was a cook in the logging camps north of Amasa. He was also a member of the CCC. After an honorable discharge from the service he moved to Pontiac, working for Fisher Body on the assembly line as a spot—welder. Upon his return to Crystal Falls, he had his home built on the family’s land in Balsam. He then worked full—time farming, while also working part—time at the Amasa Lumber Company. He married the former Emma Buzachero on Dec. 7. 1946. In 1972 he left farming and went to work at the Forest Park School. First as a custodian and later as a bus driver and maintenance. He retired from full—time work in 1984 but stayed on as a substitute bus driver until retiring for good in 1990. While working at the school, he was also a proud union steward for the non - teaching employees. He loved the outdoors. Being in the woods and deer hunting were his favorite pass-times. He also loved dogs, watching sports on TV and listening to traditional country music. He was still cutting his own firewood well into his eighties. He is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Emma and his son, Fred( Terri Luthardt), both of Crystal Falls. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews and by his life-long friend of almost 80 years, Oliver Bruce, who was his roommate at the ICMCF. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Willie Carlson, Leonard Wicklund, Reuben Wicklund; and sister, Regina Casagranda. Walter was a hard-working man of great integrity and will always be remembered by those who knew him. A private service will precede his burial at Evergreen Memorial Cemetery in Crystal Falls. Condolences may be expressed to the family Of Walter E. Carlson online at www.nashfuneralhome.net. The family has entrusted the Nash Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Crystal Falls with the arrangements.

Walter E Carlson

June 30, 1920 - October 13, 2015