Arthur W. Carlson Jr.

Art was born on June 20, 1938, to Clara and Arthur Carlson in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He graduated in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Illinois where he was also in ROTC. After graduation, he went on to serve in the Army. He served during historic times where he participated in defense during the building of the Berlin Wall, sat on the tarmac waiting for orders during the Cuban crisis and participated in the beginning of the Vietnam War.

Art married his college sweetheart, Rita Swanson, in 1962 and went on to have three children, Jim, Mike and Lynn.

After his time in service, Art went to work for Union Carbide in West Virginia and was transferred to Luling, Louisiana in 1967 where he and Rita immediately felt at home.

Art helped start St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Paradis where he was treasurer for many years.

He was a decent golfer and member of Grand Ridge Golf Club (formerly Willowdale) from the day it opened. Eventually he had to decide between golf and fishing, and he chose to fish from his camp in Cocodrie. He later built a camp in Pirates Cove, Grand Isle, where he enjoyed offshore fishing on his boat “Gottago “.

Art was the original MacGyver and could fix anything from scraps in his garage. In one instance he completely disassembled the engine in a car to add an air conditioner, ending up with 6 screws left over, but it worked perfectly for many years!

Art was a hands-on dad, always available to his three children. He and Rita traveled the US with them, having a wonderful time, but also to let them see and acknowledge what a wonderful country we have.

After retirement, Art and Rita continued their love of traveling in their motor home where they traveled to all 49 continuous states. Their favorite trips were the 9-year-old trips where they took two nine-year-old grandkids at a time to see US historic sites along the East coast.

Art was predeceased by his parents, Clara and Arthur Carlson and sister Nancy and her husband, Tom Cahoon. He is survived by his wife, Rita; his children, Jim (Shelie), Mike (Trisha) and Lynn (Jeff) Swearingen; grandchildren, Connor and Tyler Swearingen, Abbie and Hollie Carlson; Niece, Barb Wang (Curt) and their sons, Kyle and Ryan; Nephew, Bill Cahoon (Kathie) and their daughter Mary Ann.

Art was best known for his genuine goodness and quiet strength. He was a loving, caring and selfless husband, father and grandfather. He will be greatly missed and always in his family’s and friends’ hearts.

The family wishes to thank the loving care given to Art by Donna Simmons and Roberta Tambuello and the St. Charles Parish ARK.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Christ Church Cathedral: 2919 St. Charles Avenue New Orleans, LA 70115 or St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church: PO Box 118 Luling, LA 70080.

There will be a celebration of life at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church (409 Early St. Paradis, LA 70080) on Friday, August 18: visitation at 9:00 am followed by a service at 11:00 am. Burial will take place on Wednesday, August 23 at Christ Church Cathedral (2919 St. Charles Avenue New Orleans, LA 70115 - 6th Street entrance) at 11 am.