David John Carlson

CARLSON, David John, 71, passed away suddenly and peacefully at his home in Lutz, Florida, on January 29, 2018. David was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota on November 14, 1946 to John Edwin Carlson and June Anderson Carlson. As the oldest of four siblings, David took on the father figure role in the household at just 12 years old when his father passed away. While being raised in Duluth, Minnesota, David graduated from East High School and went on to get his Bachelors in Business from UMD.

David served in the United Stated Army as a SGT(T) during the Vietnam War. He was part of the First Cavalry. David was extremely proud of his service to our country; being a Vietnam War veteran meant everything to him. He and Jeanne met right before he went to Vietnam, and upon his return, they were engaged to be married. He married Jeanne Marie on February 28, 1970. In 1973, they had Kristen, and in 1975, Bradley. During David’s career in retail, the family moved to Colorado, Kansas, Ohio, back to Minnesota, and then finally settled in Lutz, Florida in 1999; they have stayed in the same home since then. David was a devoted member of All Saints Lutheran Church in Lutz, Florida. He became a Synodical Deacon at his church in 2008.

David was the happiest when he was helping others; he led an extremely Godly life in doing so. Whether it was visiting friends in the hospital, surprising someone with their favorite foods, bringing food to the homeless or chatting with someone he just met; his heart was the fullest when he was doing for others. As much as he went out of his way for everyone, he cared not for recognition in the things he did. He was the most humble and kind person you could ever meet. David never met a stranger; he could strike up a conversation with just about anyone, and he lived for that. David will be remembered as a loving, caring and compassionate man; a cherished husband, loving father and adored Papa. His presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Jeanne Marie Carlson; daughter, Kristen (Drew) Kimery; son, Bradley (Billye) Carlson; grandchildren, Karyssa (Cody), Averyonna, Landry, Kade and Kenlye; sisters, Carol Stephenson and Patricia Branscombe; sister in law, Joyce Anderson; brother in law, Timothy Kwapick; and a multitude of extended family and friends.

A memorial service will be held at All Saints Lutheran Church, Lutz, on Saturday, February 3, 2018 at 11AM. All are welcomed to attend. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Heroes New Hope Foundation, PO Box 44, Shelburn, IN 47879, an organization for disabled veterans that he held dear to his heart.