Richard W. "Rick" Carlson

Richard W. “Rick” Carlson, 70, Superior resident, died Sunday, April 23, 2017 in Duluth, MN, surrounded by his family. He was born May 3, 1946 in Superior, the son of Kenneth O. and Elayne (Byer) Carlson.

Rick served his country in United States Army National Guard for thirty-three years.

He married Ulla Gustafsson on July 21, 1979 and they celebrated thirty-seven years of marriage before his passing.
He worked as an Iron Worker for thirty years, and was a member of the Iron Workers Union #8, Marquette, MI and #783, Milwaukee, WI.

Rick enjoyed spending time at his cabin in Oulu and spending time outside gardening, fishing and hunting. He also enjoyed cooking, and traveled extensively throughout the United States and Europe. He was always proud of being a Swede, and always celebrated his heritage. Rick was also a coin collector and avid reader. He had a great interest in Military History, and was able to visit many historical sites. Rick was a true “Yooper” in every sense of the word after his many years in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

He is survived by his wife, Ulla; daughters, Danette (Dale) Harju, Champion, MI and Tracy (Gary) Ordiway, Sault St. Marie, MI; son, Karl (Marilyn) Carlson, Washburn, WI; mother, Elayne Schnell, Superior, WI; six grandchildren, John Zardus, heather Vedder, Jessica Johnson, Joshua Robinson, Chelsey Robinson and Eliza Carlson; great-grandchildren, Hunter, Eleanor, Madalyn, Linnea, Griffin, Cadence and Mason; brothers, Thomas (JoAnn) Carlson, South Range, WI and Brad (Terriann) Carlson, Gordon, WI; sister Kathy (David) Hanson, Trego, WI; sister-in-law, Cathy Carlson, Solon Springs, WI; uncle Bill (Kathy) Byer, Memphis, TN and many nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his father, Kenneth Carlson; and aunts, Margaret and Frances Carlson.

Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM, Friday, April 28, 2017 in the Downs-LeSage Funeral Home, 1304 Hammond Avenue, Superior, and will continue until the 11:00 AM Funeral Service with Rev. Fr. Andrew Ricci officiating.

Burial will be in Graceland Cemetery.

The Downs-LeSage Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. To leave a condolence or sign the guestbook, please visit our website at www.downs-lesage.com.