Ralph F. Carlson

DR. RALPH F. CARLSON, M.D., 85, passed away peacefully Friday, Nov. 23, 2007. Born in Rigby, Idaho, he was the son of Fred and Lanithea Carlson, he grew up in Hyrum, Utah. He graduated as valedictorian of his high school class. He graduated from Utah A&M College in Logan, Utah, and received his Doctor of Medicine degree in 1944, from the University of Chicago. He was board certified in both general surgery and thoracic surgery and was a Fellow in the American College of Surgeons. He served as a medical officer in the United States Navy during and after World War II. After completion of his military service, he returned to the University of Chicago to complete a residency in general surgery and a fellowship in thoracic surgery. He met and married Harriet Johnson Carlson, his wife of 61 years, during his surgical training. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Harriet (Johnson) Carlson of Evansville; son, Dr. David Carlson and his wife, Jami of Evansville; daughter, Susan Fouts and her husband, John of Fort Wayne; daughter, Peggy Hall and husband, Gary of Indianapolis; son, Dr. Kenneth Carlson and wife, Nancy of Indianapolis; brother, Ray Carlson of Grand Junction, Colo.; sister, Jean Daines of Logan, Utah; grandchildren, Margaret, Elizabeth and John Brumbaugh, Andy, Greg, Katie, and Chrissie Fouts and Laura, Kevin and Alex Carlson; great-grandsons, Evan and Drew Fouts; and great-granddaughter, Chloe Fouts. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Patricia Brum baugh, in 2007. Service is 11 a.m. Thursday at Ziemer Funeral Home North Chapel, 6300 N. First Ave., Evansville, with the Reverend Joe Foster officiating. Visitation is from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday and from 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Burial will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Mary's Foundation, the Deaconess Hospital Foundation, the United Way of Southern Indiana or the Echo Clinic. Condolences can be made to the family online at www.ziemerfuneralhome.com