Marquette––James L. Carlson, 79, of 804 S. Lake Street, Marquette, entered eternal life Wednesday morning, January 10, 2007, at his home, in the care of his family and the caregivers of Lake Superior Hospice. He had been in ill health since February 2001.
He was born on April 15, 1927, and was raised in South Marquette. Jim served in the US Navy for three years during World War II. After working for several businesses in Marquette, including Sears, the Marquette Branch Prison, Duluth South Shore and Atlantic Railroad (DSS & A), and the Piqua Wood Products Company, Jim went to work for the US Postal Service, where he retired after 30 years of service. Jim married Rose Thompson on March 5, 1949. He built the family home in 1953 on S. Lake Street, across from Lake Superior, a place that he always treasured. Those early years were filled with raising five children, hunting and fishing, swimming, and boating on Lake Superior. His hobbies included playing music with his friends and family, creating and maintaining his own inventions.
He is predeceased by his daughter, Deborah Carlson Baker and a son, Steven Carlson; his parents, Elmer and Esther Carlson of Marquette; four brothers, Jack of Stevens Point, WI, Donald of Milwaukee, WI, Ernest (Bud) of Escanaba, and Richard (Dick) of Lansing, one sister, June Carlson Pelto, of New London, CT.
Jim is survived by his wife of 57 years, Rose Thompson Carlson; sons, Bill (Suzie Saari) of Negaunee Township, Joe (Rosemarie) of Hendersonville, TN, and Peter of Mason MI; his sister, Betty (Carlson) Johns of Wisconsin/Arizona; his cousins, nephews, and nieces; a daughter-in-law, Judy Carlson; a sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Edna Thompson Schmeltz and John Thompson; four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
A memorial service is being planned for a later time in Marquette.
The family would like to express their appreciation to Lake Superior Hospice for the many kindnesses extended to Jim and his family.
The Fassbender Funeral Home is serving the family.