Richard Carlson

On the morning of Jan. 16, 2023, Carl Richard Carlson, known to most as Richard or Rich, passed away at home under the care of his loving family, in Shawano. Originally from Winter, Richard lived a long and very eventful life, and loved to tell his many stories from years past to anyone who would listen. He loved his family; his children and grandchildren fondly remember sitting and listening to him sing Swedish folk songs.

He worked as a logger for most of his adult life from the Oregon timberland to the Menominee Reservation. He retired at the age of 75 but not before passing his knowledge of the trade down to his son, and later his grandson. In his retirement, he turned to wood carving, having made dozens of animals, cars and trucks, and pieces of logging equipment.

Richard was one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, being baptized in 1951 and taught his family and others about his faith. He was faithful up until the very end of his life and was confident in the resurrection and everlasting life in a perfect world, Acts 24:15. Richard loved to tell others, “I made it to 90 years old, had two good wives, and raised four good kids” who were with him until his final moments.

He is survived by his brother, Jack (Karen) Carlson; his second wife, Karen Irene Jeske Carlson; his four children, Edye (Greg) Maske, Theresa (Keith) Christensen, Jodi (Bill) Harris and Jamie (Charity) Carlson; three grandchildren, Morgan (Brady) Hanson, Sawyer Maske and Taylor (Jasmine) Maske; stepdaughter Becky (Dan) Carpenter; two step-grandchildren, Bruce Sadler and Jesse Sadler; and three step-great-grandchildren, Draven Sadler, Seth Tupper and Autumn Tupper.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Gustaf Herman Richard Carlson and Lilly Louisa Augusta Laefgren Perry; three siblings, Oscar Carlson, Dale (Shirley) Carlson and Virginia (Bill) David; and his first wife and mother to his children, Lois Elaine Bishop Carlson.

There will be a memorial service held at 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28, 2023, at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses at N4764 Willow Lane, Shawano, with visitation at 3 p.m.

www.swedbergfuneralhome.com