Robert O. Carlson (Bob), 84, devoted husband, father, grandfather, and brother, passed away on May 10, 2016, on the family farm where he grew up.

Bob was born in 1932 in Hawarden, IA with twin brother Rodney, to Clarence and Gertrude (Sedgwick) Carlson. His parents, and his siblings, Gordon, Jean, Ruth and Rodney, predeceased him. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Loris J. (Brakke) Carlson, two sons, Kris, of Lexington, NC, and Kurt, of Westford, MA, his daughter-in-law Margaret, and two adored grandchildren. His sister, Beth Helgoe, of Edina, MN also survives him.

Bob earned his bachelor's and master's degrees in Agronomy for SDSU-Brookings in the 1950's, where he met his wife.

Bob and Loris traveled throughout Europe, as well as many parts of the U.S.

Bob also served his country as a First Lieutenant in the United States Army, becoming an expert marksman, stationed in Ulm, Germany.

Before semi-retiring to the Carlson farm in 1987, where he farmed full time until 1999, his professional career included positions as an engineer at Ortho (Mobil) Chemical and the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, where he "found a place for more sludge than any human being on the face of the earth."

He was an active member of the local Lutheran Church throughout his life, as well as the Lion's Club and served on the Union County Board of Health for many years. His passions included choral singing, classical music, gardening, and coffee with friend Dick Hughes (now deceased).

Blessed be his memory.

There will be a family led visitation at Nathanael Lutheran Church in Alcester on Friday, May 20 from 4PM to 7PM with family present from 5PM to 7PM and a prayer service at 7PM. A family led memorial service will be held 11 AM, Saturday, May 21 at Nathanael Lutheran Church.