Robert C. Carlsen

Robert Charles Carlsen slept right through his heavenly journey on Monday, October 18, 2021. When he and his wife arrived in Green Bay for a medical appointment his body was there, but his spirit had left for his Eternal Home. It was a blessed departure, as Bob had been ill and was well prepared for his next adventure. Bob was born on March 8, 1947, in Norway, Michigan, to the late Edward and Beryl (White) Carlsen. He was the eldest of three children and grew up on West Hughitt Street in Iron Mountain. It was a family enclave with his Carlsen grandparents across the street and later his Baker aunt, uncle, and cousins. Despite his “city” background, Bob was a born woodsman and spent his youth exploring the local forests, camping, fishing and hunting as often as possible with Uncle Hillman Baker at Six Mile Lake. He attended the Iron Mountain Schools, graduating in 1965. Active in Scouting, he received his Eagle Scout Award and attended NMU for a year before he enlisted in the U. S. Marines in 1967. He served as a Firearm Assembly Foreman in Okinawa during the Vietnam Conflict In 1967 he married his high school sweetheart, Suzanne Ferris. Their daughter Andrea Elaine was born in San Clemente, California where he was training at Fort Pendleton. Upon his release from the Marines the couple resided in Kingsford where son, David Robert completed their family. Bob subsequently served in the Michigan National Guard and the Army Reserves, retiring with 28 years of combined service. He always felt his military training yielded great personal rewards. He loved his country and felt honored to serve. In 1982, Bob’s 35 year-old wife Suzanne passed away after a mercifully short illness. He married widow Judy McClure Sundstrom in 1984, and they brought their two families together in Norway, Michigan. Through their 37 years together Bob and Judy made many dear friends as they visited most states and European countries. Since 2009, a couple winter months were delightfully spent at snow-free Oak Grove Park in Pensacola, Florida. The friends they made there and at their “winter church,” Grace Evangelical Free, enriched his life. He will always be remembered as the guy with the Yooper accent, big laugh and the trusty Brittany hunting dog, Cody. Bob and Judy volunteered with the USO at the Pensacola Naval Air Base, and Bob worked security at the National Aviation Museum when needed. Bob felt blessed to work for Wisconsin Electric Company (now We Energies) from 1969 until his retirement in 2007, where he began as a lineman and retired as an Electrical Distribution Supervisor. From 1991 until 2009, he and his wife owned and operated Northern Expressions Gift Shop on Main Street in Norway. During this period he was active in community activities, serving on the Downtown Development Authority that developed the Streetscape Project, Kid’s Kingdom, and the city-wide trail system. As a Norwegian born in Norway, he was proud of the Viking image developed by the Business Association and DDA that resulted in the Viking ship entry signs to the City of Norway and October’s unique Leif Erickson Day Festival. An avid sportsman, Bob was a longtime member of the United Sportsman Club where he was a weekly participant, sharpening his skills and enjoying the camaraderie of his shooting buddies. He was a lifetime member of the NRA and the Fred Waara Fly-Fishing Club in Marquette. The Norway American Legion, the Marine Corp League and the DAV all collected his dues. His volunteer work at Iron Mountain’s VA Hospital was a joy to him. He was looking forward to going to Washington DC on the Honor Flight, but he took an even more glorious trip instead! Nothing excited him more than hunting season with long-time buddy Dave Fornetti, brothers-in-law, Scott and Brian McClure, and son-in-law, Jay Miller. His final competition at the buck pole was two nice 8-point bucks in 2020. Of all his adventures, the annual fly-fishing trip to Basalt, Colorado with son, David, Grandson Josh, and friends was probably the most anticipated. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, and his wife, Suzanne, his brother-in-law, Rick Stanchina, sister-in-law, Colleen Johnson, and brother-in-law, Dennis McClure. He is survived by his children, Andrea (Nick) Blomberg, and David (Connie) Carlsen; his step-children, Jody (Jay) Miller, Joy (Brian) Lindberg, and James (Ala) Sundstrom; he was the proud “Gramps” of: Elena (Jammal) Depas, Calvin Blomberg, Christine Blomberg, Josh Carlsen, Caleb Carlsen, Matthew Carlsen, Eric (Hayley) Johnson, Chiara Johnson, Katrina (Johnny) Payne, Luke (Megan) Miller, Allix (Caleb) Birkey, Jesse (Olivia) Miller, Geri (Brian Schmidt) Sundstrom, Mia Sundstrom and Emersyn Sundstrom. He is also survived by 10 great-grandchildren; his sister, Linda (Mike Liedke) Stanchina of Breitung Township and his brother, Mark (JoAnne) of Milliken, Colorado; his wife Judy’s 4 sisters and 4 brothers; and numerous nieces and nephews. Bob became a Christ-follower as a young married man, and quietly but firmly lived out his faith. Believing God called us to serve in the local church he has done so as Awana leader, church deacon and treasurer. He is now a member of Redemption Hill Church in Kingsford where his Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 30, 2021. Visitation begins at 9 a. m. with funeral service at 11:30. Burial will be in the Quinnesec Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the ministry of Colleen Estes at Pikangikum, Ontario, Canada through Living Hope Ministries, Box 50, International Falls, Mn 56649, or to Adventure Learning Ministries at Copper Island, P. O. Box 728, Everson, Washington 98247. Donations to the local Gideon’s chapter also might be considered. Condolences to the family of Robert Carlson may be expressed online at www.ernashfuneralhome.com The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home with the arrangements.

Robert C. Carlsen

March 8, 1947 - October 18, 2021