Arvid H. Carlson

Arvid Harold Carlson Arvid Harold Carlson, loving father, and friend passed away on December 2, 2009 in Marathon, FL. He was born January 26, 1922 in Wayne, IL to Anna (Anderson) and Harry Carlson. He is survived by his wife Nancy (Evans) of 57 years; one son, Kermit (Caron) Carlson of Batavia; twin daughters Bonnie (John) Higgins and Connie (Kelly) O'Brien of St. Charles; sisters-in-law Merrida Carlson of Maple Park and Anne Evans of DesPlaines; seven grandchildren: Kyle, Cooper, Carter O'Brien; Brittany, Johnnie Higgins; Barbara, Kristin Carlson of Cinncinati; four step-grandsons William Modesto of Cincinnati, Ron (Melanie) Modesto of Kewanee, Jonathan Gottschalk of Pass Christian, MS and Douglas Gottschalk Jr of Chicago; niece, Merrida Sue (Carlson) and several grandchildren and grandnieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents and brother, Verner Carlson; a niece, Delrose (Carlson) Varra and brother-in-law Tom Evans. Arvid grew up in Geneva, IL and attended the 4th Street Elementary School. He also lived on the Peck Farm. He learned to drive while helping deliver Milk for The family Dairy: Carlson Dairy. The family moved to the family farm on McKee St, Batavia and he graduated from Batavia High School in 1940. He attended the University of Illinois, became a member of Theta Xi Fraternity and graduated in 1948 with a Business Degree in Accounting. This time was interrupted by World War II when he served in the Army Air Corp. He trained in Arizona continuing his studies at Arizona State. He become a Captain and "1st Pilot" of C-46's and C-47's for the Air Transport Command. He was proud of his service to his country transporting supplies to the front and returning with injured soldiers. His heroic stories were endless. Where ever Arvid went his accordion followed. He began playing in his early youth for family and Vasa gatherings and on stage at The Arcada Theatre. He played locally as the Rythmn Boys, often on WLS Radio and then nationwide with Major Bowes. While in the Air Corp he even played for the USO overseas. His favorite were a series of shows with Rita Heyward. He was the consume musician and entertainer. His business career began with Arthur Anderson as an Auditor in their Chicago office. He then worked with his brother, Verner at Thomas & Carlson Implement in Batavia before joined his fraternity brother Harry Dickleman at General Warehouse for a 30 year career, retiring as its President in 1980. He was an active member of the American Warehouse Association and the President of the Illinois Warehouse Association. He enjoyed Batavia and built his own home on McKee St in 1957. A longtime membership in the "Batavia Dance Club" kept his dance card full. He loved his annual summertime trips to Burntside Lake in Ely MN. He enjoyed his R/C model airplanes with the "Flying Fools" of St Charles. He held a commercial pilot rating and often flew the family to Florida and Minnesota with occasional float-plane trips into Canada. He and Nancy retired to the Florida Keys to enjoy the tropical climate and deep-sea fishing. Long winter visits became permanent when they moved to Marathon, Florida in 1982. They are 30 year members of the Marathon Yacht Club with their boat the Can Do. He was a loving father and true friend. A memorial Service to celebrate his life will be on Friday December 11, 2009.The family will greet guests at 10:00am just before the 11:00 am Memorial Service at Bethany Lutheran Church, 8 South Lincoln Street in Batavia, IL. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to The Music Department at Bethany, or a charity of your choice.