Col. Gerald J. Carlson

Carlson, Col (Ret) Gerald J. Gerald J. Carlson completed his final mission and was victorious against cancer, passing to a better life on November 21, 2011. He was born in Ishpeming, Michigan on November 30, 1928 to William and Anna Carlson and raised in Marquette, Michigan. Upon graduation from high school, Jerry received an appointment to West Point, graduating in 1951. Following graduation and selection as an Infantry officer, Jerry subsequently served in combat in Korea and Vietnam, holding command at every level from Platoon through Brigade and receiving many decorations during his tours (3 Bronze Stars, 3 Silver Stars, 2 Purple Hearts, 2 Legions of Merit and many others). Upon completion of his tour in Vietnam, Jerry reported to the Office, Joint Chiefs of Staff where he served from 1971 to 1974 participating in the White House briefing team of Secretary of Defense Melvin Laird and Secretary of State Henry Kissinger and receiving a third Legion of Merit for his service with the Joint Chiefs of Staff. After completing a successful Brigade command, Jerry completed a distinguished 30 year military career at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas as a Colonel. Upon retirement, Jerry and his wife, Jeanne, started their civilian life and moved to the El Paso, Texas area where he accepted the job as the Executive Officer of the El Paso Apartment Association. Jerry served the Association for 28 years until his second retirement at the age of 80. He remained active in the local El Paso and Fort Bliss communities for many years. Jerry was an extraordinary man, soldier, hero, husband, father and friend to many. His wife of 38 years, Doris (Jeanne) Carlson, preceded him in death in 1993. His survivors include his brothers, Thomas Carlson (Barbara) and James Carlson (Patsy), and his 3 children, Anna Routledge (Neil), LTC (Ret) Susan Carlson (dear friend Melissa Miller) , and Gerald J Carlson, Jr (Anne), five grandchildren, Joe Williams (Andrea), Joseph Carlson, Katherine Carlson, Ellen Carlson and Mary Carlson, 2 great grandchildren, cousins Aileen Lundy and Beca Stamp (Al) and many devoted nieces and nephews. Jerry enjoyed many events, commitments and time with Patsy Zimmerman, his companion over the last 17 years. Celebration of his life was held Tuesday, November 29, 2011 with burial with full Color Guard and full Military Honors on November 30, 2011. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice El Paso (1440 Miracle Way, El Paso, TX 799257102), the Military Order of the Purple Heart - Lone Star Chapter 393 (P.O. Box 640751, El Paso, TX 79904), or the EPAA Gerald Carlson Scholarship Fund (5730 E. Paisano, El Paso, TX 79925).