Roger C. Carlson, 89, passed away on Tuesday, October 17, 2017 at The Village of Legacy Pointe in Waukee, Iowa. A Celebration of Life gathering will be held Tuesday, November 21, 2017 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Walnut Ridge Senior Living Center in Clive.
Roger was born March 13, 1928 to Albert and Elsa (Kjellstrand) Carlson in Rockford, Illinois. From 1947 to 1948 he served in the U.S. Army in Veghorn, Italy and later in the National Guard of Illinois, rising to the rank of Sergeant First Class. Following an honorable discharge, he pursued a career in sales and marketing and moved to West Des Moines in 1966 when he joined Delavan Inc., and worked there until 1993 when he retired from his position as Vice President of Marketing.
He was a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Bears fan, and liked to watch Iowa Hawkeye football and Kansas Jayhawk basketball. A devoted husband, Roger met the love of his life on a blind date while stationed at Fort Riley Kansas and he and Pat were married within that same year. Roger is fondly remembered as a warm and caring father who ensured all of his children received a college education. He was an exceptional cook, enjoyed music, and writing poetry and limericks. He had a quick wit, and could tell a great joke and could often be heard whistling while he went about his day. Roger was well read, articulate, and a life-long learner always pursuing his interests and staying abreast of current events.
Roger is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Pat; loving children, Joe (Barbara) Carlson of Oregon, Betsy (Rob) Hayes of Texas, Patty (Mike) Ardis of Missouri, and Mary (John) Pascarella of Texas; grandchildren, Joshua Carlson, Katie (Chris) Jorgensen, Alison (William) Bailey, Daniel Hayes and Grace Pascarella; and great grand-children, Henry and Harlow Jorgensen. Roger was preceded in death by his parents and sister, June Johnson.
The family would like to thank the Village at Legacy Pointe, as well as Suncrest Hospice for the exceptional care and compassion given to Roger during his last days.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Suncrest Hospice, 5000 Westown Pkwy #104, West Des Moines, IA 50266.
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