Rodney Carlson

Rodney Alan Carlson, 63, of Foster City, passed away on Sunday, July 7, 2013 at the William S. Middleton V.A. Medical Center in Madison, WI. He was born on August 8, 1949 in Daggett, Michigan, son of Howard Carlson and the late Alice (Stenfors) Carlson. He graduated from Felch High School in 1967 and was a lifelong resident of the area. Rod was a U.S. Army Veteran serving his country proudly in the Vietnam War. Decorations he received include the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with 2 Bronze Stars, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Bronze Star Medal with V Device and 1 Oak Leaf Cluster and the Combat Infantryman Badge. Rodney married Debra Lucas on February 5, 1973 in Iron Mountain. Rodney worked with his father in the family logging business for several before taking ownership of the company. In 1990, he started his own construction company which he operated for over 23 years. Rodney and Debra also helped with the clean-up following Hurricane Katrina. Rodney was a member of the Felch-Breen VFW, the NRA, and the Harley Owners Group "H.O.G." He enjoyed playing baseball in the WISHIGAN league and coached little league for several years. Rodney and Debra raised horses and enjoyed attending horse shows. They were also active members of 4-H. Rodney was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing. He also enjoyed riding his motorcycle and side by side. More than anything he loved spending time with his family, particularly his grandchildren. Rodney is survived by his loving wife, Debra; his father, Howard; four children, Brandi (Brian) Johnson of TX, Stacy (Mike) Nylund of AK, Rodney Jr. (Madge) Carlson and Lucas Carlson (Tiffany Esch), both of Foster City; two brothers, Gary (Anna) Carlson of CA and Jeff (Lisa) Carlson of Norway; two sisters, Fay (Gary) Johnson and Gail (Brad) Gustafson, both of Felch; grandchildren, Heather (Josh) Tipton, Ryan Johnson, Harley and Michael Nylund, Chelsey, Chase and Andy Carlson and Zion Pittman; several nieces and nephews; and special friends, Jim and Barb Edberg. In addition to his mother, he was preceded in death by two brothers, DeWayne "Dewey" and James Carlson. Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 11, 2013 from 1:00 to 4:00 pm at the Mission Covenant Church in Foster City. Funeral services will follow at 4pm at the church. Rev. Carl Hammer will officiate. Burial will be in the Foster City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established in his memory. Condolences may be expressed to the family of Rodney Alan Carlson online at http://www.ernashfuneralhomes.com/. The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon and Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the funeral arrangements.

Rodney Carlson

August 9, 1949 - July 7, 2013