Ralph F. Carlson

As his family and friends can attest, there was nothing of greater importance to Ralph Carlson than sharing with others the reason for the joy in his hearthe made it his mission to bring people to know and love the Lord Jesus Christ. Ralph was a devoted husband and father whose family was the driving force behind his hard work, and later in life he was overjoyed to witness his family tree blossom into the grandchildren and great-grandchildren he loved more than life itself. A man of honor, integrity, and compassion, Ralph was always looking for ways to generously give to those around him in ways both great and small. The timeless legacy he leaves behind will be carried on by those who follow him. When the page turned on the decade of the 1930s, America hunkered down to weather the storm of the Great Depression that brought us some of the most trying days we have ever seen. Cities, communities, and families came together to do whatever they could as a soaring unemployment rate left countless people without work. Despite the circumstances around them, a young couple from Omena, Michigan, was delighted to announce the birth of their son on March 20, 1931. Ralph was the oldest of four children born to his parents, Walfred and Dorothy (Peterson) Carlson, and he was raised on the family farm in Northport alongside his younger siblings, Lester, Nancy, and Judy. His parents were common laborers who worked farming the land, but later in life Ralphs father worked as a gardener at Northport Point while his mother worked as a housekeeper on the estate. In many ways Ralph experienced an upbringing that was reflective of the times. He learned a strong work ethic farming alongside his father throughout his formative years. Ralph was also a student at local schools in Northport and, with several responsibilities and little extra money around, there were few opportunities for recreational activities. As a high school student he did get a quarter to attend a basketball game at times, but he was responsible for his own transportation there and back. Most often his cousin who lived on another country road would drive him back to his own house, leaving Ralph to walk through the woods in the dark to get home on his own. Spending time as a family was a cornerstone in the Carlson home, as was spending time at church. Family traditions were important and included things like corn husking bees and lending other farmers a hand during harvest time. Ralph also treasured his friends, including the 13 classmates with whom he went to school all the way through high school. After graduating from high school, Ralph went on to North Park College in Chicago, but only for one semester as he was called home due to the draft. Ultimately he was rejected for military service due to a bout with rheumatic fever as a child. Life soon became very exciting for Ralph, however, when he met the young girl with whom he would write a love story that would span 58 years. Her name was Marva Iverson, and they met at a wedding where she came to help her mother. She was just 16 at the time, but Ralph knew that she was the girl he would marry from the moment he laid eyes on her. In fact, he told her that very thing when he brought her home that night. With a desire to build a life together, they married on August 21, 1954. Together Ralph and Marva were blessed with four children, Gregory Ralph in October of 1955, Kevin in June of 1958, Bradley in June of 1960, and Lori in July of 1961. They raised their children in a home on Southern Avenue in Muskegon and later moved to Norton Shores. In order to provide for his family, Ralph was often working. He was very industrious as he worked in factories and sold Kirby vacuums until he settled into his 37 year career in insurance sales. In addition, Ralph purchased and maintained rental properties to bring in a little extra income. When money allowed, the family made a tradition of going to the Doo Drop Inn for three take out dinners to share as a family. Family vacations were most often at the farm in Northport with a memorable two week camping trip around Lake Superior. A longtime resident of the community he loved, Ralph made a lasting imprint in so many ways. He was a member of Forest Park Covenant Church, where he was active as a Sunday school superintendent and teacher, church chairman and vice chairman, board member, and 50-year choir member. In addition, Ralph was board vice president of Covenant Enabling Residences, on the Portage Lake Bible Camp board, and on the advisory committee for Covenant Village of the Great Lakes. He was also active in Kiwanis and Christian Businessmen. Perhaps the accomplishment Ralph was most proud of, however, was as the co-chair of Forest Parks building committee, where together they established Mary and Josephs House for the cognitively impaired. In 1994, Ralph retired and had more time for the things he loved. He still kept busy with buying homes and maintaining rentals, but he did enjoy some cruises, weeks spent in Florida, and salmon fishing. Ralph also liked boating with his family and bowling with his friends, and throughout his life he was an avid golfer. Family pets were an important part of his life, most notably their poodles, Peppi and Andre. Ralph loved being in the know with what was going on in his family, and he cherished spontaneous drop-in visits with them. He was actively involved in helping his children and grandchildren with home repairs, always looking for ways he could help them. During his sunset years, Ralphs great-grandchildren especially warmed his heart. He always looked forward to visits from Gabby and their golf cart rides together. Although he accomplished much to be proud of, Ralph Carlson was a humble man whose relationship with the Lord was his most priceless treasure. A devoted family man, dependable friend, and generous person, Ralph leaves behind a footprint that is deeply embedded in the sands of time. He will be dearly missed. Ralph F. Carlson died Tuesday, January 22, 2013. Ralphs family includes his wife, Marva; sons, Greg (Joyce) Carlson of Grand Rapids, Kevin (Janan) Carlson of Muskegon, Bradley Carlson of Muskegon; daughter, Lori (Steve) Drelles of Muskegon; grandchildren, Erik, Paul, Philip, Stephanie, Katie, Rachel, Tyler, Jacob; 7 great grandchildren; sisters, Judy (Dave) Carlson of Muskegon, Nancy (Marvin) Scott of Traverse City; sisters-in-law, Gladys Carlson of MO, Judy (Dale) Fuller of North Muskegon, Jackie Iverson of Muskegon. Ralph was preceded in death by his brother, Lester Carlson, and brother-in-law, Robert Iverson. Services will be held on Saturday, January 26, 2013, 11:00 a.m. at Forest Park Covenant Church with Rev. Wally Coots officiating. Visit with Ralphs family and friends on Friday, 6-8 p.m. at Clock Life Story Funeral Home - Muskegon and Saturday, 1 hour prior to the service at the church. Memorial donations may be directed to Covenant Enabling Residences. Please visit www.lfestorynet.com to leave a memory.