Frederick W. "Fritz" Carlson

Frederick W. "Fritz" Carlson, 80, of Iron Mountain, passed away on Tuesday, October 15, 2013 at the Oscar G. Johnson V.A. Medical Center in Iron Mountain. Fritz was born December 6, 1932 in Iron Mountain, son of the late Fredrick and Clare (Cameron) Carlson. He graduated from Iron Mountain High School in 1951 and was a lifelong resident of the area. At the age of nine, Fritz started as a caddy at Pine Grove Country Club which he continued throughout high school and in 1948 captured the caddy championship. He also was on the Red Wing Ski Club and had several runs down the Pine Mountain ski jump. Fritz was a U.S. Navy veteran of the Korean War, serving aboard the USS Repose. He married Ruth Charlton on June 25, 1977 at Trinity United Methodist Church in Iron Mountain. Fritz was an electrician by trade and a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 219, recently being honored with a 55 year plaque. Fritz retired in 1994 and he and his wife enjoyed traveling and spending winters in Golf Shores, AL. He was an active member of Trinity United Methodist Church where he served as an usher and was a part of several mission trips. Fritz was also involved in the Kiwanis Ski Club, the Elks Club and was a past member of the Uren-Cooper-Johnson American Legion Post 50. For several years, Fritz was the official starter for the U.P. Motocross Assoc. He enjoyed going to camp, watching football, playing cards, teaching his grandchildren to play cribbage and spending time with family and friends. Fritz was a loving husband, father, and grandfather and will be sadly missed. He is survived by his wife, Ruth; three sons, Derrick (Thelma) Carlson of Norway, Randy (Jane) Carlson of Iron Mountain, and Paul Carlson of Silver Hills, AL; two daughters, Patty (Bill) Ferguson of Bellevue, WA and Kara (Sri) Sankaran of Minneapolis; two brothers, Gary (Kay) Carlson of Iron Mountain and John (Sue) Carlson of Newport Ritchie, FL; two sisters, Elaine (Don) Yuhasey and Joyce (Guy) Yuhasey, both of Iron Mountain; nine grandchildren, Bryan Carlson (Kayla Perron), Bret Carlson (Montana Post), Brent & Blaine Carlson, Jay, Erin & Jessica Ferguson and Maddie & Austin Sankaran; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a brother, Doug Carlson; a sister, Shirley Hayes; and a great grandson, Wyatt James Carlson. Visitation will be held on Saturday from 11am-1pm at Trinity United Methodist Church. A Celebration of Life service will follow at 1pm at the church. Rev. Paul Mallory will officiate. Burial will be in Cemetery Park. The Uren-Cooper-Johnson American Legion Post #50 will conduct military graveside honors. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Alzheimer's Assoc. Condolences to the family of Frederick W. "Fritz" Carlson can be expressed online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com. The Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Frederick W. "Fritz" Carlson

December 6, 1932 - October 15, 2013