Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1941
DIED
2012
Stephen Karlson Obituary
He was born Nov. 14, 1941, in Waterbury, Conn., a son of the late Gunnar George and Lilly Linnea (Bergman) Karlson.
He was also preceded in death by his first wife, Mary Ann Holliday Karlson; and his second wife, Jo Steele Karlson; and a brother, Richard Jeffrey Karlson.
Steve was a retired Captain with the United States Air Force; and was also a retired salesman for Johnson and Johnson. In later years, he also served as a Deputy Sheriff for Faulkner County. He was a faithful member of Woodland Heights Baptist Church in Conway.
Survivors are his sons, Jeffrey Holliday Karlson of Conway; Stephen Victor "Jay" Karlson Jr. of Arlington, Texas; a sister, Judith Karlson Allen of Berkley, Calif.; and 2 grandchildren.
The family will receive friends from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, July 21, 2012.
A memorial service honoring Steve's life will follow in the chapel of Griffin Leggett Conway, 1751 Dave Ward Dr., Conway.
Please send the family your memories of Steve and messages of love and encouragement to his online guestbook at www.griffinleggettconway.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Stephen Karlson
July 28, 2012
Our high school party in 2008 gave me the opportunity to reconnect with Sandy. I had had a big crush on him in sixth grade and had paid him a dime for his autograph. We shared a good laugh over that. A few weeks later, I received a letter with the “original” dime attached, telling me if I no longer had his autograph, I could send mine. It is such a special memory, and I am grateful I had the chance to spend even a short time with such a wonderful man. He told me all the Mary Lee Burbank kids were special to him. Sandy will remain special to all of us. My condolences to his family and friends.
Anne Oberdorfer Allen BHS '59
July 27, 2012
We were dear friends since the 6th grade. A year ago we talked on the phone for 2 hours, and reminisced with continuous laughter. He is sorely missed.
My love and condolences to his family.
-Allan Creamer, BHS '59
July 23, 2012
You have my deepest sympathy. May good memories provide solace for your family during this challenging time; and may God provide you with the assurance that you will see your loved one again in Paradise. John 17:3
July 23, 2012
May the God of all comfort grant you peace during this difficult time.Romans15:13
July 19, 2012
Sandy and I had become the best of friends over the past few years and throughout his fight with cancer. We were in constant contact until just before the end. I would call him to cheer him up and he would have me laughing uncontrollably for hours. His attitude and sense of humor were remarkable.
I spent quite a bit of time with him when he visited his hometown of Belmont, MA this past September. I am going to miss his thoughtfulness, his strength, his faith and his sense of humor. He's in a better place now and he can finally rest.
Peace and Love to you, Sandy, and may God Bless you. My heart and prayers are with you and always will be. My life has been much fuller for having known you. You've touched me in a very special way.
My deepest sympathy to the family, especially Jeffrey and Jay, and I hope to meet you all in Belmont in the Spring.
Rest in Peace, my wonderful friend.
With much love and sadness,
Regina Scotti, Lincoln, MA
Belmont High School Class of '59
July 19, 2012
Condolences... Bill Laverty BHS '59
Joe Hosie BHS '59
July 19, 2012
Sandy and I were best friends at Belmont Junior and High Schools. We spent lots of time in each other's homes. Gunner and Lily knew me and my Dad and Mother him. We have been in regular touch over the years during his fight with cancer. I miss him, and our long distance chats. Pray for his soul. RIP
July 19, 2012
So sorry to hear of Sandy's passing. A very quite guy with a dry sense of humor. May he rest in Peace.
Kevin Heaslip
Earl Raphael
July 18, 2012
So sorry for you family's loss. Steve was a good man.
Showing 1 - 9 of 9 results
Make a Donation
in Stephen Karlson's name
Memorial Events
for Stephen Karlson
How to support Stephen's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Stephen Karlson's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
