Carl Edward Carlson, Sr.'s Obituary
Big Rapids Carl Edward Carlson, Sr., 81 of Norwich Township, passed away Sunday, April 27, 2008, at Spectrum Health Blodgett Hospital in Grand Rapids. He was born April 30, 1926, on the family homestead in Newaygo Countys Norwich Township, the son of Oscar C. and Freda Belle (Reed) Carlson. Carl grew up working on the farm, and remained there the rest of his life to carry on the Carlson name and dairy farm. In addition to starting his day at 4:30 a.m. on the dairy farm, Carl also was a bus driver for Pineview School for 30 years. For a short time he also worked in construction, helping to build a bank in Big Rapids. On November 1, 1989, Carl was involved in a debilitating farm accident. He suffered closed-head injuries, and severe spinal cord and right arm injuries as well. Despite these, he continued mowing 100 acres of hay each year for 15 years. Carl loved John Deere tractors, and was a great neighbor to everyone who knew him. He volunteered his time in 4-H, and received an I care about kids award from the Newaygo County Intermediate School District. On June 21, 1949, he married Evelyn Mae Langworthy of Grant Center, who survives. Also surviving are their children, Carl Jr. (Phyllis) Carlson, Linda M. Aldrich, Carmen Bechaz, and Terry (Karla) Carlson, all of Big Rapids; 6 grandchildren, Johnny (Jenna) Aldrich, Jim Aldrich, Julie (Jesse) Waldron, Timothy Bechaz, Trevor Carlson, and Erin Carlson; 7 great-grandchildren, Montana, Micajah, Logan, Dakota, Keagan Ayden, and Riley; and many in-laws, cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father Oscar in 1978, his mother Freda in 1995, and his brother Kenneth in 2002. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, April 30, at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids, with Foster Brummel officiating. Burial will follow in the Hungerford Cemetery. Memorial contributions for the Woodville Community Church may be left at the funeral home, where Carls family will greet friends on Tuesday, April 29, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m., and prior to services on Wednesday.
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