Donald Charles “Don” Carlson passed away peacefully at the age of 71 at home in L’Anse, Michigan on Saturday, December 29, 2018. He was born in Rhinelander, Wisconsin on May 9, 1947 to the late Vera Pennock-Carlson and Arthur Carlson and was raised in Marenisco, Michigan by his uncle Ellery and aunt Shirley Pennock. Don graduated from Marenisco High School on June 6, 1966.
Don worked as a laborer in the building and trade industry for most of his life. He was a member of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community as well as a member of the Keweenaw Bay Veterans. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, building and nature. Don loved going to the Baraga Ojibwa Casino where he enjoyed socializing with his friends and the staff. He owned several small businesses and was an active environmentalist. Don was a proud veteran.
Don is survived by his wife Carole Ann Carlson. They were married in Duluth, Minnesota on May 15, 1976 and that is where they raised a daughter, Jessica Ruth Carlson now of Baraga, Michigan, and a son, Adam Brian Carlson now of Oakdale, Minnesota. Don is also survived by two grandchildren, Joshua Roland Waisanen and Thomas William Waisanen and his brother Kenny (Patti) Carlson of Lake Geneva, WI. He was preceded in death by his brother Larry Carlson and infant brother Leroy Carlson.
Join the family for a memorial celebration of Don’s life from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. on Friday, January 11, 2019 at Don and Carole’s home at 19009 Herman Road, L’Anse, MI 49946. Coffee and sweets will be served.
The Reid Funeral Service and Chapel, L’Anse, MI has been entrusted with the arrangements.