Raymond Carlson

Raymond Carlson, 82, of Okoboji, Iowa, passed away Wednesday, April 5, in Mesa. Born Feb. 18, 1924 in Worthington, MN, he was one of five children and learned the value of hard work on the small family farm. The family moved to Fort Dodge, Iowa where Ray was raised and ultimately made his home. Ray was an Iowa high school wrestling champion and was a starting tackle for the University of Iowa football team. He was a life-long Hawkeye and donated generously to the school. Ray served during WWII as a Navy pilot flying a TBF Avenger torpedo bomber off the aircraft carrier USS Fanshaw Bay in the Pacific. After the war he returned to Fort Dodge and married Claire Ferguson and raised two children, Jim and Chris. He worked for Hormel Foods, from which he retired as Plant Superintendent after over 30 years of service. But that doesn't tell you about Ray. Everybody knew Ray and everybody loved Ray. He was genuinely interested in people. Everyone joked Ray could walk into a restaurant anywhere in the world and he'd know someone there. He lit up every room he walked into. He lifted up everyone he touched. His joy, generosity, gentle nature and wonderful stories will be missed by all who knew and loved him. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of over 50 years Claire, his son Jim and two brothers Dean and Kenny Carlson. He is survived by his daughter Christine (Carlson) McGinley and her family; his sisters Sylvia Reddie and Joan Stumpf and his wife Phyllis, her children and grandchildren. A Memorial service will be held Wednesday, April 12, 2006 at 3pm at Apache Wells Community Church, 2115 N. Gayridge Rd., Mesa, AZ, 85215, Pastor Tim Smith will officiate. In lieu of flowers please make memorial donations to the Lakes Art Center, P.O. Box 255, Okoboji, Iowa 51355, 712-332-7029.