Rick Carson

Frederick “Rick” Victor Carson, 73, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, August 21, 2015 at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Park Rapids, Minnesota. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at McLaren’s Chapel, 801-19th Street, West Des Moines, Iowa. Funeral services will be held 10 a.m. Friday, August 28, 2015 at McLaren’s Chapel with entombment in Resthaven Mausoleum at a later date.

Rick was born on April 18, 1942 in Des Moines, Iowa to Verl and Eunice (Heseman) Carson. He grew up on Lay Street and graduated from East High School in 1960. Rick attended Drake University where he went on to receive his Master’s Degree in Public Administration. He married Jan Unsderfer in 1965 in Des Moines and they were happily married for 50 years.

In 1965, Rick went to work for the Des Moines Police Department. During the 18 years he served as a police officer, climbing to the rank of lieutenant, he was selected for the FBI National Academy, oversaw the youth crime task force, and served as President of the Iowa State Policemen’s Association. Rick was appointed Chief of Police for the West Des Moines Police Department in 1983. He served the remainder of his law enforcement career as “The Chief” until his retirement in 1997. After retirement, he and his wife Jan moved to their lake home in Nevis, Minnesota.

Rick enjoyed tending to his garden and hosting friends and family at their lake home in northern Minnesota and taking them on long pontoon rides. He also loved spending time with his six grandchildren and taking part in their many activities. Rick was a member of The Royal Order of the Jesters, The Masonic Lodge, and Peace Lutheran Church.

Rick is survived by his wife, Jan of Nevis, MN; sons, Tim (Margaret) Carson of Des Moines, IA and Chris (Karla) Carson of Eden Prairie, MN; sister, Grace (Norm) Reinier of Newton, IA; grandchildren, Maxwell, Rocco, Vincenzo, Matthew, Andrew, and Audrey; and nephews, Joseph (Nicole) Nichols and Bill (Carol) and Brian (Gloria) Unsderfer. Rick was preceded in death by his parents.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made to Peace Lutheran Church, PO Box 377 Nevis, MN 56467.