Douglas Howard Carlson Jr

Douglas H. Carlson Jr, 82 of Akron, Iowa, passed away on Sunday, August 11, 2024 at Sanford Select Specialty Hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

A Memorial Service will be 11:30 a.m., Thursday, August 15, 2024 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Akron, Iowa. Visitation with the family present will begin at 9:30 a.m. at the church on Thursday and will continue until the service time. Arrangements are with Rexwinkel Funeral Home of Akron. Expressions of sympathy may be expressed to the family through www.rexwinkelfh.com.

Douglas Howard Carlson Jr was born on July 1, 1942 in Sioux City, Iowa to Douglas Sr and LaVerne (Watterson) Carlson. He was the oldest of 10 children and their family lived in Sioux City. He attended Central High School and then began his plumber union apprenticeship. Doug was a third-generation union plumber and worked his entire career in union plumbing as well as some private work in the Akron area. Doug had a strong work ethic and was known for his quality of work; he was well known in the Sioux City area and always had a reputation of providing the best services.

Doug was united in marriage to Mary Ellen Johnson in South Sioux City, Nebraska on November 27, 1965.  Doug and Mary Ellen later moved to Akron in 1981 and Doug retired in 2002. After his retirement, Doug and Mary Ellen spent their winters in Apache Junction, Arizona. There they made many lifelong friends who became their family away from Akron. They enjoyed all the Arizona community had to offer: many group activities and amenities such as pickle ball, billiards, and being poolside. Doug loved sharing many warm afternoons on their patio in Arizona with their friends and welcoming those new to the community.
 

Doug loved fishing and took advantage of every opportunity to do so. He also enjoyed sports, mowing the yard, and playing cards. Doug enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He loved working with his hands and instilling his strong work ethic into his family by working together with them on building or repairing their homes.

Doug was a long-time member of Immanuel Lutheran Church where he also served on the church council. Doug was also a member of the Akron City Council and was instrumental in the development of the Portlandville Heights neighborhood. Doug, along with his son Steve, volunteered his time and talents to many community projects in Akron over the years.

Doug is survived by his wife of 58 years, Mary Ellen Carlson; children: Steve (Jacqueline) Carlson of Westfield, IA, Sharyl (Jim) Black of Dakota Dunes, SD, and Cari (Mike) Brogden of Liberty, MO; eight grandchildren: Christopher (Stephanie) Carlson, Caitlyn (Jake) Wilson, Kevin (Kortney) Carlson, Katie (Jake) Thoren, Jared Black, Ty Brogden, Cal Brogden, and Jase Brogden; seven great grandchildren: Barrett, Beau, Waylon, Avery, Drake, Brock, and Noah; daughter, Rhonda Carlson and her children: J and Lacey; siblings: Mary Jane Johns, Carolyn (Jerry) Stultz-Kempema, Kathy (Denny) Brunsting, Sandy (Leo) Welch, Cheri (Denny) Sander, and Laurie (Mike) Blanchard; siblings in law: Jo Ann Carlson, Karen Bigelow, and Pastor Dennis (Carol) Johnson; aunt, Phyllis Hanson; numerous nieces, nephews, and other extended relatives.

Doug is preceded in death by his parents, Doug Sr. and LaVerne Carlson; parents in law, Frank and Mildred Johnson; siblings: Richard Carlson, Jeanne Carlson, and Dan Carlson; siblings in law: Kenny Johns, Kenny Stultz, Brad Bigelow, Marlin (Elaine) Johnson, and Sharyl (Don) Calvert; and uncle, Dave Hanson.