John Carlson, Jr.'s Obituary
Arthur John Carlson Jr., 82, of Spotsylvania County, formerly of Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif., died peacefully at home, Dec. 8, 2009, surrounded by his loving family.
Mr. Carlson was born in 1927 in Manhattan, Kan. He served in the Navy during World War II, graduated from Kansas State University and received a master’s degree from University of Illinois in Urbana. Mr. Carlson retired in 1987, after nearly 40 years with TRW Systems, having worked in Los Angeles and Houston directing computer support for the NASA manned spacecraft program, including the Apollo missions that landed men on the moon.
He was a Life Master bridge player, a skilled and meticulous woodworker, and enjoyed creating stained glass, needlework and other crafts. In 2004 he and his wife moved to Spotsylvania. Mr. Carlson was a member of Grace Lutheran Church.
He was married for 62 years to the former Aileen Patricia Parker of Junction City, Kan. In addition to his wife he is survived by five children, Karen Mikkelsen of Houston, David Carlson of Spotsylvania, Martha Gooding of Newport Beach, Calif., Matthew Carlson of Lincoln, Neb., and Paul Carlson of Los Angeles; 11 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
Mr. Carlson was a kind, patient and gentle soul, the living embodiment of Christ’s command to love one another. His devoted and loving presence as husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather is greatly missed.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Online condolences may be made at foundandsons.com.
What’s your fondest memory of John?
What’s a lesson you learned from John?
Share a story where John's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with John you’ll never forget.
How did John make you smile?