Obituary: Robert "Bob" Carson - Class of 1952

AUSTIN, TEXAS - Robert "Bob" Carson, age 77, of Madison, passed away on Friday, July 29, 2011, at St. Mary's Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on April 11, 1934, in Madison, the son of Clair and Flossie (Ellis) Carson. Bob graduated from Central High School in 1952, then joined the U.S. Army, serving in the military for two years. In 1959, he met his first wife, Beverly Gerber, and had two children, Dale and Leanne. Bob worked for Red Dot Potato Chip Co. (known as Frito Lay) until he found a job working for a University of Wisconsin extension running a printing press for 32 years, until retirement in 1997. In his younger years, Bob enjoyed basketball and coaching girls softball teams.

He married Joan Lueders on April 28, 1984. He was an avid outdoorsman. Bob enjoyed hunting, fishing, and traveling with his wife. He was a long-time member of Lakeview Moravian Church.

Bob is survived by his wife, Joan; children, Dale (Tamra) Carson and Leanne (Jim) Stoker; step-children, Scott (Tracy) Carolan and Deb (Andy) Slawek; grandchildren, Kennan, Nicole, Ahna, Tyler, Megan, and Lauren; great-grandchildren, Modi and Vonn; brothers, Clayton "Pete" (Lois) and John "Jack" (Alvina); many nieces and nephews; and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Sonny Carson; half-sisters, Dorothy Strait and Doris Davis; and half-brother, Milton "Bud" Lenke.

Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2011, with the Rev. Staci Marrese-Wheeler presiding. Burial will be at Roselawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 1, 2011, and also from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Tuesday.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on July 3, 2011 (submitted by Michael Vahldieck, Class of 1968)