Carl E. Carlson

Carl Edward Carlson, was born on March 25, 1928, in McPherson, KS, the son of Carl Alvin and Ruth Irene (Yowell) Carlson.  He grew up on a farm near Windom and attended country school, except for two years (1939 – 1941), when he moved to McPherson.  His mother died when he was only 15 years old, and he left school in his sophomore year to work for Sinclair doing survey work in Wyoming.  At the age of 18, nearing the end of WWII, he enlisted in the United States Navy, where he served as a cook.  Most of his enlistment was spent in Alaska and California.  After serving two years, from May 8, 1946, to April 8, 1948, he received his discharge. 

On May 29, 1948, Carl was hired by Sid Bacon Motor Company and was made service manager in 1955, and worked for the company for 40 plus years and was also assistant service manager at Wallace Chevrolet.  One quote often heard from Carl was, “The possible we do immediately-the impossible takes a little longer.”

On September 16, 1950, Carl was united in marriage to Veola “Vi” Mae Mills at Trinity Lutheran Church, McPherson. This union was blessed with two children, Randy, born in 1955, and Teresa, born in 1957.

He was a longtime member of Trinity Lutheran Church.  Carl loved working with his hands.  He was always tinkering with lawnmowers, fixing them for family and friends.  He was very knowledgeable with the mechanics of things.  He also loved to garden.  One year, he and Vi had the best crop of tomatoes.  When his family was young, he took them camping out of state along with his brother, Robert’s family.   

Carl entered the arms of Jesus on Sunday, January 22, 2023.  He was ninety-four.

Survivors include: his loving wife of 72 years, Vi of the home; a son, Randy (Renee) Carlson of McPherson, KS; son-in-law, Don (Connie) Koehn of Canton, KS; half-sister, Carla Ann Wolf of Salisbury, MD; half-brother, Marion (Teri) Carlson of Winter Haven, FL; five grandchildren, Ryan (Crystal) Carlson, Rachelle (Josh) McAlexander, Rustin (Clare) Carlson, Cody (Michele) Koehn, and Nick (Alicia) Koehn; eight great-grandchildren; and many extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; step-mother, Kathryn Carlson; a daughter, Teresa Koehn; brother, Robert (Betty) Carlson; half-brother, Clarence Carlson; step-brother, Daryl Hanson; step-sisters, Jetty Chaney and Juanita Beal.

The family will receive friends from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, Sunday, January 29, 2023, at Stockham Family Funeral Home.  The funeral service with Military Honors will be held at 10:30 AM, Monday, January 30, at Trinity Lutheran Church with Rev. Tim Leaf officiating.  Burial will follow at McPherson Cemetery.  To view a live stream broadcast of the service, please click on the following link: https://evt.live/funeral-service-for-carl-e-carlson

Memorial donations may be given to Trinity Lutheran Church in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 North Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460.