Arthur George Carlson

Arthur George “Art” Carlson, age 88, devoted husband of 67 years to Mary Katherine (Burke), passed away peacefully on September 13, 2025, in Rochester Hills, Michigan. Born on January 17, 1937, in Detroit, Art lived a full and vibrant life rooted in faith, family, and friendship.

Throughout his life, Art wore many hats—both professionally and personally. His true professional calling emerged in retail sales, where he found purpose and pride. He concluded his career as a manager at Jacobson’s department store. It was there that he met his longtime friend Jim Clary, a Great Lakes Ships artist, whose work Art admired so deeply that he built an entire collection around it.

Known for being loyal and generous to all he met, Art made friends wherever he went. He was playful yet proud; sensitive yet strong; traditional yet open-hearted. His honesty and trustworthiness left lasting impressions on everyone fortunate enough to cross his path. Art’s love of history and Great Lakes ships reflected his deep appreciation for stories—those told through painted art and those shared over time with loved ones. That legacy lives on through his generous donation of a vast part of his art collection to the Marquette Maritime Museum where countless others can now hear and appreciate those stories. Art loved his home, especially when it was filled with people, and he found joy in the quiet beauty of nature, fly fishing with his father on the Ausable River, or sitting peacefully on the deck overlooking his beautiful yard and the grateful birds that flocked to his birdfeeders. Whether playing euchre or traveling with his beloved wife Mary, Art embraced life with warmth and enthusiasm. He cherished attending special events with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, always present to celebrate their milestones.

A man of unwavering faith, Art was a devoted member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church where he served faithfully and was a welcoming presence to all. His dinner prayers were legendary among family: heartfelt invocations that included not only loved ones but also the poor and oppressed, world peace, pets past and present, and animals across the globe. For Art, food could wait—but prayer never could.

In addition to his loving wife, Mary, Art is survived by his children Katherine (Terry) Milia, Mark (Heather) Carlson, and Patricia (Brian) Slaven; grandchildren Kyle (Ashley), Karmen, Jacob, Joanne (Eric), Ronnie (Anna), Andy, and Katy; great-grandchildren Sophia, Max, Lennon, Louie, Mara, and River; sister Karen (Ken) Martin; as well as numerous beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, and grand dogs and cats.

He was preceded in death by his father Arthur Cecil Carlson; mother Gertrude Ava Carlson; and sister Constance Deschutter.

May Art's memory continue to bring comfort to all who knew him.

A Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 20, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at St. Paul's United Methodist Church, 620 Romeo Street, Rochester, followed by a Funeral Service. Family and friends are invited to the Burial which will be held directly afterward at Mount Avon Cemetery 400 6th Street, Rochester.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to St. Paul’s United Methodist Church or Leader Dog for the Blind.