Stanley Ervin Carlson

(Age 91)

On Saturday, May 21, 2016, Heaven became an even better place upon the arrival of Stanley E. Carlson, our much-loved husband, Dad, and Papa. Stan was born to Sigrid and Arvid Carlson on October 5, 1924; the start of a great 91-year story. His parents were new arrivals to the US from Sweden, so he was lucky enough to grow up in a house filled with old traditions and new adventures. He was raised in Spokane attending Logan Grade School, North Central High School, and Gonzaga University. It was assumed that he would join his father in the concrete business, but a rebellious moment found him joining the US Army where he served as a radio operator and tank cannoneer in the European Theater during WWII. He lived in Portland after the war, where, on one of the luckiest days of his life, he went on a blind date with the Minnesota dairy-farm girl who would change everything for the next 67 years, Donna Thompson. They made their home in Spokane where Stan worked as a transportation supervisor for Northwest Airlines for 33 years.

Until recent years, Stan was an avid golfer, fisherman, and bowler. He found his greatest joy, however, in his family. He was endlessly proud of all of us, but especially delighted in the activities, adventures, and antics of his grandchildren: Christian, Lucy, Greta, Burt, Hannah, and Miles Carlson. He never missed a school concert, talent show, or a game, and he must have sat through a thousand (sometimes painful) piano recitals. Through our musings or tirades, he would listen for hours, and once we got him started, he was a great storyteller himself.

Stan loved spending time with his family, a good meal, reading practically every word of the newspaper, talking over sports and world events, and he liked shopping at Costco so much he bought his casket there.

Stan is survived by his wife of 65 years, Donna; sons Ron, David (Paddy), Daniel; his Big Sister Ruth; and his grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother Elmer; sisters Agnes and June; and granddaughter Calleen.

Visitation will be Thursday, May 26, 2016, 9-11 AM at Hazen & Jaeger Funeral Home, 1306 N Monroe, Spokane, WA, followed at 11 AM by the funeral service with interment at Riverside Memorial Park.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Women and Children’s Free Restaurant and Community Kitchen, 1408 N Washington, Spokane, WA 99201.