John F. Carlson

West Des Moines

John Carlson, 75, passed away Monday, November 14, 2011 at Methodist Hospital. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Thursday at McLaren’s Chapel in West Des Moines with burial at Avon Cemetery.

John served in the U.S. Navy and worked for the West Des Moines School District for 27 years. He was still working in the schools at his death. He loved watching the Iowa Hawkeyes at the 5th Street Pub. He enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson 1200 Sportster, watching old westerns, listening to his police scanner, and dressing up as Santa Claus and Uncle Sam. He always had a smile on his face. Spending time with his children and grandchildren was his greatest love and he will be missed by all that loved him.

He is survived by his children, Bob (Diane) Carlson of West Des Moines, David (Sharlene) Carlson of Ankeny, Steve (LeaAnn) Carlson of West Des Moines and Kathy (Bill) Stodgel of Warrior, Alabama; 15 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; brother, Don Carlson of Whittemore, Iowa; and a sister, Marjorie Post of Manson, Iowa. John was preceded in death by his wife, Wanda; son, Bill; parents, Fred and Inez; two brothers, Dale and Duane; and two sisters, Lyla Miller and Doris Joachims.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at McLaren’s Chapel. Memorial contributions may be given to Ronald McDonald House.