Search by Name

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

Glenn H. Carlson

Glenn Carlson Obituary

Mr. Carlson, age 71, passed away on Sunday, January 27, 2008. He was instrumental in the construc-tion of the University Student Union at California State University, Fresno and worked in the Student Union for over 33 years until his retirement in 2001. Mr. Carlson was coach of nationally ranked bowling teams at CSU Fresno, a National Program Director of Intercollegiate Bowling, and a member of the Pro-fessional Bowlers Associ-ation. Since founding Fresno State's bowling program 36 years ago, Mr. Carlson helped develop individual athletes as well as program opportunities, such as athletic scholar-ships for bowlers. Under Mr. Carlson's leadership, CSU Fresno has recorded 12 national championship appearances for its women's team, six national championship appearances for its men's team and produced 25 All-Americans. Mr. Carlson was certified as a USBC Silver level coach, and in 2006 was awarded the United States Bowling Congress' Kerm Helmer Horizon Award in recognition of his efforts to expand opportunities for young bowlers. He was a talented athlete, mentor and dear friend to many and he will be missed. He is survived by his brother Lawrence of Mountain Ranch, Ca.; two nieces, Cindy Basham of Clovis, and Patty Vitangeli of Redwod City; and a nephew, John Carlson of Rocklin. A Graveside Service will be held at Kingsburg Cemetery, 12759 E. Clark-son in Kingsburg on Friday, February 1, 2008, at 2:00 p.m. A reception will follow at Concordia Lutheran Church in Kingsburg , 1800 Sierra Street. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be sent to the Fresno State Bowling Club, c-o Univer-sity Student Union, 5280 N. Jackson SU-36, Fresno, Ca. 93740, Attn: Patricia Thomason.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Fresno Bee on Jan. 30, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Glenn Carlson

22 Entries

David Fulton

February 23, 2008

Wow...Is all I can say right now. As an assistant coach at WIU I formed a great frienship with Glenn that has carried over even after my departing at WIU. He was always a true friend who I watched help develop so many college bowlers that its so hard to imagine that he is gone! He will truely be missed not only by myself but our entire bowling community!

Steven Villanueva

February 18, 2008

We have lost a good friend. I knew Glenn from college bowling. I bowled for SJSU as a player and I guess you can say assistant coach. He will truly be missed.

Doug Gibson

February 6, 2008

What a Gentleman! I will always remember him and his approach to coaching. He loved to win and most of all he loved his athletes. Glenn will be missed, but not forgotten.

Ball State Coach 88-03

Kevin Watkins

February 4, 2008

Glenn taught me so much about the game in the one year I bowled for Fresno State in the early 80's. I also enjoyed working for him in the union. He will truly be missed.

Jerry Franksen

February 2, 2008

I bowled for Glenn between 1994 and 1997. The man had what all good teachers need: the understanding that in order to teach an old dog new tricks, you've got to get it to unlearn the bad habits first; then the desired outcome can be achieved. Many of us kids had a hard time being patient while the old guy tore down our games in order to make us better than we thought we could be. But if we trusted him, had faith in his guidance, and let him shape us as he saw fit, the bowling would never be better than after he'd helped shape our games.

Funny thing is, I think Glenn knew he was teaching us more than just bowling; he was teaching us the best trick in life: in order to be better citizens, we've got to unlearn what we know, and relearn what we want to be. -- Thanks for the lesson, Coach.

I look forward to the day when I can meet him back at the office and talk about life over a few refreshments. God bless.

Amy Allen

February 1, 2008

I worked with Glenn in the USU for many years and will miss his kind, gentle spirit. I will also miss helping him figure out how to send mass emails and use excel. ;-)
You'll be dearly missed, Glenn, but never forgotten.

Raquel DePuy Grafton

February 1, 2008

Glen was a good man. He was a positive influence in my career with the Student Union. I remember him visiting me more than once after I left Fresno. His support continued even though we lived in different states. I will miss him.

Jennifer, Chad, & family Murphy

February 1, 2008

Glenn was not only a great coach but a fantastic mentor for all involved with college bowling. Glenn and Kerm were two of the coaches whom made college bowling what it is today. I believe they are both watching us today. A great loss. We will miss you Glenn.

Michael A. Romero

February 1, 2008

Glen,
It has been a pleasure knowing you and being coached by you. Although i never had a chance to bowl for you, you inspired me to bowl and reach for more with your coaching and words. You will be greatly missed by me and all those you've touched over these many great years in the Fresno and California Community.

Brett, Brandi, Bill, and Becky Wolfe

February 1, 2008

Glenn was always kind and supportive to not only his own bowling team, but to EVERY bowler on EVERY team he met. My sister and I, as former collegiate bowlers, and my parents, as ardent supporters of college bowling enjoyed speaking with him very much. The bowling community, and college bowling in particular, will miss you very much Glenn!

Josh Blanchard

February 1, 2008

I bowled for Glenn at Fresno State from 05-07. Glenn was very instrumental in my life. He not only helped me on the lanes, but off as well. He made sure I went to class and put in hard work on the lanes. I thank you Glenn and you will be missed dearly

Michael Fine

February 1, 2008

It was my pleasure to know Glenn through collegiate bowling as an opposing coach for the last 20+ years. I know Glenn to be a true gentleman with a love for collegiate bowling that encompassed all bowlers in addition to his the excellent Fresno program.
His advice and sage council helped me personally as well help shape collegiate bowling.
He is truly one of the giants of our sport and will be missed by all who knew him.

Michael Fine
Head Bowling Coach
Florida State University

Tina Stickney

February 1, 2008

Bowling has lost a great person and I am truly saddened. He made a big impact on me with his kindness and I didn't even bowl for his team, but a rival team in fact! :)His leadership was felt throughout college bowling and I can only hope that there will be more coaches like him to follow. My heart goes out to his family as well as his Fresno State bowling family. R.I.P. Glenn.

Robbie Tanaka

January 31, 2008

Glenn will always be a part of my life. A bowler, a teacher, a friend that offered advice, guidance, knowledge, wisdom & inspiration. He offered so much to the Junior, Collegiate, Adult, Senior & PBA Programs. Also his contributions on the Local, State and National Levels.
I always idolized him growing up. It was an honor to me to have such a special person in my life that I was so close to. To work with everyday, to bowl for, to bowl with and serving on his committees gave me that special friendship and respect. You will be missed by all but never never forgotten. The memories live on.

Melissa Quesenberry

January 31, 2008

I bowled on the women's team from 1999-2001. Glenn was a very kind and patient coach who was completely dedicated and 100% devoted to Fresno State bowling. Thank you Glenn for all that you did for me and many other bowlers... you will be greatly missed!

Cathy Marquez

January 31, 2008

I bowled for Glenn for three years. I am honored and blessed to have known him. He was an amazing coach and all around great man.

Thanks, coach for everything. You will be missed.

Doug Hawkins

January 31, 2008

Glenn,
My friend, you will be missed by those of us within the bowling community, those who knew you are aware of the many lives you touched both on and off the lanes.

Martin Daniels

January 30, 2008

Thanks Glenn...for all you've done for so many of us. Being a part of your program was an important part of my college years. We will all miss you.

Mark Scott

January 30, 2008

I may be unique in this guestbook in how I knew Glenn. Nothing to do with bowling! I worked nights with Glenn at the Post Office in the late 1960's. I was a young man about to get out of college. He talked to me about life and he shared wisdom that I have never forgotten. I am very sad that he is gone and I have not had a chance to tell him again how much I appreciated him.

Stephanie and Jason Sjobom

January 30, 2008

I bowled for Glenn from 1997-2000 at FSU. He was instrumental in bringing my game as far as it has come. He was a great mentor and he will forever be my "O.G.". We will miss you Glenn!

Terri Blahut

January 30, 2008

I am a former member of the Fresno State Women's Bowling Team. I stayed in touch with Glenn many years after graduation. I had a lot of good times thanks to the entire team. He will be missed.

Jim and Lorie Bolme

January 30, 2008

We were very sorry to hear about Glenn's death. We talked to him at a collegiate bowling event a few years ago and he was very nice to spend a few minutes with us even though we have been out of collegiate bowling for 10+ years. (We didn't even bowl for Fresno!) Our condolences go out to his friends and family.

Showing 1 - 22 of 22 results