Gerald D. Carlson

Gerald “Jerry and/or Colonel” D. Carlson, age 72, of Iron River, MI, passed away surrounded by his family on Thursday, October 18, 2018 at the Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center in Iron Mountain, MI.  He was born on September 26, 1946 in Stambaugh, MI; the son of the late Willard and Nancy (Puckett) Carlson.  He attended the Stambaugh Schools, graduating with the Class of 1965.  Jerry proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force, being honorably discharged in 1969.  Jerry married Freida Gill on June 8, 1974 at the Assembly of God Church in Iron River.  They celebrated their 44th wedding anniversary this past June.  He was employed at Grede Foundry in Kingsford, MI for 21 years, working his way up to Supervisor.  Jerry then worked as a truck driver for the next nine years.  He was a member of the Iron River Bible Church and a former member of the American Legion Reino Post #21.  Family was important to Jerry and he loved spending time with them, especially his grandchildren.  He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, reading books, and storytelling.  Jerry is survived by his wife, Freida; sons, Kevin Carlson, Scott (Jessica) Carlson, and Tim (Jaclyn) Carlson, all of Iron River; sisters, Shirley Carlson of California and Sue Guzowski of Caspian, MI; seven grandchildren, Skylar, Kendra, McKenna, Dallas, Kyle, Chevy, and Gerri; nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his sister, Ruth Kellogg. Visitation will be held Thursday, October 25, 2018 from 12:00 to 2:00 pm at the Iron River Bible Church.  Funeral services will follow at 2 pm with Pastor Kraig Tass to officiate.  The West Side Veterans will accord Military Rites at the service.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Gerald D. Carlson, please visit our flower store.