Wayne Carlson

Wayne Arthur Carlson, 86, passed away on September 4, 2015. He was born on January 28, 1929, to Gustav and Agnes Carlson, in Staples, Minn., where he was raised. Wayne was a loving son, husband, father and grandfather. Proudly serving his country in the Army from 1946 to 1969, Wayne was a triple-war veteran. He served at Army bases in WA, CA, HI, AZ, KS, and VA; and also served overseas in Japan, Korea, England, Germany and Vietnam. Some of his duties included: driving floating bridges (AVLB’s, ARKs, and pontoon bridges), motor pool, KP, MP, driver and supply clerk. After retiring from the Army, Wayne worked various other jobs to support the family. He was a postal clerk with the Civil Service Department for ten years. Other jobs include: gas station attendant, hospital custodian and hauling sugar beets and potatoes from field to factory. The only job he ever really disliked was being a postal clerk, fully retiring at age 66. Always smiling, Wayne was well liked by all who met him. He enjoyed the simple things in life. He loved to tell stories of his early years, about the things Wayne and his three buddies from childhood did for fun. They stayed buddies right up until the others passed away during the last ten years. It was fun listening to them reminisce about “the good old days”. His passions were traveling by car, mostly visiting relatives around the country, taking the family out camping every chance he got. Wayne liked attending church on Sunday and having fellowship with his friends. He enjoyed taking photos, using his old movie camera, playing cards and board games. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Preceding Wayne in death were his parents: Gustav and Agnes Carlson; sister, Marlys Bruder Nordstrom; daughter, Barbie; son, Wayne Jr. (Sonny); stepson, George Walker; and wives: Barbara, Dorothy and Patricia. Those left to carry on his legacy are his daughters: Arlene (Wendy) Ranney; Marlene Bos and her husband Bernie; son, Frank Germain and his wife Donna; daughter-in-law, Tammy Carlson; five stepchildren; six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren. Also surviving Wayne are his sister, Donna Finnegan; two nephews and two nieces; numerous great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2015, 1:00 PM, at Life Ministries Foursquare Church at 409 W. 16th St, Roswell, NM. Rest in peace, Dad! Always loved, never forgotten! Please take a moment to share your thoughts and memories with Wayne’s family in the online register at andersonbethany.com. Services are under the direction of Anderson-Bethany Funeral Home and Crematory.

Wayne Carlson

January 28, 1929 - September 4, 2015