Robert Theodore Carlson

Robert T. Carlson was born February 10, 1929, on his home farm in Barron County, Wisconsin.

After enjoying his 97th birthday he passed peacefully on February 22, 2026.

He graduated from the University of River Falls with a Bachelor's degree in Agriculture and on September 1, 1951 married the love of his life, Joyce Fehr. They had four daughters, Jane, Katy, Diane and Sally.

He was employed as a teacher his entire working career. The first employment was in Seneca, Wisconsin teaching adults agriculture practices. Then they moved North to Clayton, Wisconsin where he was employed by Clayton School District to teach Agriculture, Industrial Arts and Small Engines. Later employment was with WITI teaching the Adult Farm Program in Agriculture. His knowledge of many topics and storytelling ability were a lifelong talent and were enjoyed by more than his students.

Clayton High School FFA members would remember the fishing trips to Canada with school busses and tents. Friends from the Clayton area were companions on his many out of state hunting trips.

As an avid hunter Bob belonged to the Richardson Sportsman Club. He was a long-standing member of the Clayton Lions Club. He was a volunteer fireman and the Mayor of Clayton for many elected terms of office.

Early camping and traveling would be with Joyce and all four girls in a station wagon traveling coast to coast visiting relatives, National Parks, and Worlds Fairs. Later years, Bob and Joyce traveled in their motorhome, visiting many people while camping and fishing. They traveled to most of the states including Alaska and Hawaii.

Jack of all trades and master of some. He completed numerous beautiful woodworking projects for the home, for gifts and donations. Some of his projects were a roll top desk, pool table, patterned breadboards, delicate scroll work and hand carvings.

Bob loved his land, it was his art, it was a life's work. And he was devoted to the town of Clayton. When others came and moved on he stayed and supported. Robert and Joyce donated property to be used as a wildlife and recreation area to the village of Clayton, now called Carlson Park.

Robert was predeceased in death by his wife of 70 years, Joyce Fehr. His daughter, Katy Harck, son-in-law, Cecil Harck, and grandson, Christopher Harck. His brother, Duzzy and wife, Marlene Carlson. His parents, Theodore Carlson and Beatrice Prill.

Survived by his daughter's, Jane (Jay) Frederiksen, Diane Carlson (Stephen Lewis) and Sally Carlson-Fink (Alan Fink); Granddaughters, Jessica (Kyle) Treadway, Samantha (Kurtis) Martin, and Elizabeth DeJong; Daughter-in-law, ChrisAnn Harck; Grandsons, Joseph, William and Michael DeJong; Great grandchildren, Christopher, Patrick, Evelyn and Jackson. Leaving behind special friends Ray Ruff, Diana Downes and his beloved companion dog, Rosie.

Six foot three and eyes of blue.

The man, the myth and the legend will be remembered and missed by many.

A special thanks to all the Meals on Wheels volunteers for their years of friendly deliveries. Also a thank you to Adoray for all of your assistance at Judy's Cottage and the staff at Judy's Cottage.

A celebration of life is being planned for April.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Clayton Lions Club.

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