Robert Carlson

Bob Carlson was a man you couldn't help but want to be around. He had the kind of warm soul that drew people to him, with his level head, quick wit and easygoing demeanor. He was a wonderful husband, father and friend, and a man famous for his hugs, always left cheek to left cheek, so you'd be heart to heart with him. But you didn't have to hug Bob for that. All you needed was to know him. The year was 1924, and America was enjoying a heyday of sorts, as the Roaring Twenties really began to roar. The country had pulled out of the economic slump following World War I, and the automobile and the airplane were changing our everyday lives like nothing before. For so many Americans, 1924 was a time worthy of celebration, especially to Oscar and Genevieve Carlson, who welcomed the birth of their son, Robert. Robert was born on a chilly, windy Friday, on Halloween day in Chicago, Illinois. The family lived on the other side of the lake, in Muskegon, Michigan, where his father was a tool & die maker and his mother was a secretary at the Mission Covenant Church there, which played an important role in Bob's life. Both sets of Bob's grandparents emigrated to the U.S. from their native Sweden, and his Swedish heritage also played an integral role in who Bob was. Growing up on those sandy shores of Muskegon, Bob had a good childhood, and loved to collect stamps and coins. Like his Swedish heritage, he appreciated the history involved with his hobbies, and the importance of preserving the past. Bob attended Muskegon High School, where he made a lifelong friend in Al Swartz, who was a true confidant for him. They did much together, even buying an early-model Ford they were so proud of. Later on, they attended Bob Jones University together, for one year. By the time Bob and Al graduated from Muskegon High in 1942, the dark cloud of World War II had spread to our shores, and Bob enlisted in the Army Air Force on December 12, 1942. Not surprisingly, Bob made an excellent serviceman, who served his country well, and was awarded the American Theater Campaign Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal for his efforts. After he was discharged on February 17, 1946, Bob returned home; then headed south to Arkansas, to attend John Brown University. At that small Christian college Bob studied business and accounting, and graduated in 1950. The year 1950 brought other celebrations for Bob, as well. He had often seen a beautiful young woman named Gloria Farnquist at Mission Covenant Church, who sat next to his mother in the choir. Bob was smitten, and she couldn't resist him, either. Their romance ensued, and they were married on a warm, sunny Saturday on August 19, 1950 at the church. Recently graduated and with a glowing new bride, Bob set out to find his fortune. He took a job as an accountant at Kaydon in Muskegon, where he worked for 12 years and was an integral part of the team. Bob even helped establish the Kaydon Credit Union in his time there. Eventually he moved on to work at Universal Cam Shaft, which later became Crane Cams, for another 20 years. His professional life in full swing, Bob and Gloria also were blessed with a wonderful family. Together they had five terrific kids, Jeffery, Brian, Elise, Philip and Matthew. As you might expect, Bob was a wonderful, caring and fair father, who was always there for his children. He was always there for anyone that needed him, though, especially his family. He enjoyed helping and encouraging his children every chance he got, whether it was helping Jeff build a soapbox derby car, or helping Elise and Phil with their music lessons. Music, along with the church, was always an important part of the Carlson household, and the whole family took part in both. While pets were never that important to him, he loved seeing how much joy they brought his children, so he put up with the many family animals over the years. Tramp, Sweetie, Snookie, Blackie, Honey ... he loved them all for the joy they brought his family. Bob found joy in many things, though, and had many interests in life. He was involved in the VASA Lodge, the Accountant's Association, and loved to go golfing or bowling. He also loved travel, and visited Sweden several times, researching his family history, and learning about living a natural, healthy lifestyle. Bob was transferred to Port Orange, Florida in 1983, so the family moved south until he retired in 1990. He settled in quite nicely there, and joined the Port Orange United Methodist Church. Never one to let the grass grow under his feet, Bob also worked as a Demonstrator for several companies in Florida and Michigan after he retired. He and Gloria returned to their hometown of Muskegon in 2002, to be closer to family, especially their grandchildren. They picked up right where they left off, and attended the Forest Park Covenant Church together. Sadly, Bob died Tuesday, April 25, 2006, on a cool spring day. He was a remarkable man, really, the kind of man you couldn't help but want to be around. He had a smile that lit up his face, and a laugh that lit up yours. He always had a joke or a funny story to tell, anything that might brighten your day. That was the way Bob was, though. Always there for you, always thinking of others. And always heart to heart. He will be greatly missed. SURVIVORS: wife, Gloria; children, Jeffrey (Ruth) Carlson of Grand Rapids, Brian Carlson of Muskegon, Elise Carlson of Muskegon, Philip (Melinda) Carlson of Ann Arbor Matthew (Jodi) Carlson of Holland; 8 grandchildren, Tony, Andrea, Ava, Evan, Erik, Luke, Nicklas & Katherine; sister-in-law, Bette Carlson of Whitehall. He was preceded in death by his parents & a brother, Rev. David O. Carlson. MEMORIAL SERVICE: Friday, April 28, 2006, 11:00 AM at Forest Park Covenant Church with Rev. Paul Bengtson officiating. VISITATION: At the Church, immediately following the service. MEMORIAL: Forest Park Covenant Church Memorial fund.