Clifford Joseph Carlson, age 88, of Rock passed away at home Thursday evening February 25, 2010 with his wife, Doris “Toodie” at his side.
Cliff was born July 10, 1921 in Perkins, the son of Henry and Josephine (DeCremer) Carlson. He graduated from Rock High School in 1939 and remained a lifelong resident of the Rock area and a dedicated parishioner of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Perkins. Cliff attended a barber college in Milwaukee for two years following graduation. In 1942 Cliff enlisted in the United States Army Air Force and served his country proudly during World War II until he was discharged in 1945. While stationed in Italy he flew 51 missions over Germany and was the recipient of the Air Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters and the Good Conduct Medal. When he returned home he married Doris “Toodie” LaBumbard on June 22, 1946 at the All Saints Catholic Church in Gladstone. Cliff continued his craft as a barber, owning and operating a barber shop in Rock for many years. He was also a school bus driver for Rock and Mid Pen for over 41 years. Cliff was a charter member of the Rock American Legion Post #559 as well as Past Legion Commander and Service Commander and also a member of the VFW Post #5670 in Gwinn, the Rock Lions Club serving as King Lion and Secretary and a volunteer firefighter with the Rock Fire Department and a volunteer for the Rock Community Ambulance Service. Cliff loved hunting and fishing and spending time at his camps on the Escanaba River and the Parker Line. Cliff was an avid fan of all sports and followed his children and grandchildren for many years.
Including his wife, “Toodie” he is survived by:
4 Sons: Jeff (Cindy) Carlson of Kingsford, MI; Randy (Beth) Carlson of Escanaba, MI; Kim Carlson of Rock, MI; Wade (Kevin) Carlson of Kalamazoo, MI
1 Daughter: Vicki (Robert) Taylor of Chicago, IL
10 Grandchildren: Jeffrey, Carrie, Kimberly, Tim, Mike, Matt, Ryan, Andy, Kris and Lindsey
17 Great Grandchildren
3 Great Great Grandchildren
1 Sister: Lois Dodge of Auburn, WA
Numerous nieces and nephews
He was preceded in death by his parents, two infant sons, brother, Norman (Lucille) Carlson, sisters, Dorothy Carlson and Eleanor (Clancy) Carrier and a brother-in-law, Bud Dodge.
Cliff’s family will receive friends on Tuesday, March 2 from 2:00 PM to 5:30 PM at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Military Honors will be conducted at 5:30 PM by the Rock American Legion Post #559 at the funeral home. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 7:00 PM at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Perkins with Rev. Fr. Jacek Wtyklo and Rev. Fr. Emmett Norden officiating. A luncheon will be served immediately following services in the church fellowship hall. Cliff will be laid to rest in Rock Cemetery in the spring. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in Cliff’s name may be directed to the family for a noble cause of their choice. Use the form below to leave the Carlson family a message of condolence.
