Charles M. Carlson

Charles M. Carlson—a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather—passed away after a brave fight against cancer and health complications. While we mourn his loss, we remain deeply grateful for nearly 103 wonderful years of his presence in our lives.

He was born in a log cabin in Moose, Wyoming, to Roger and Lauretta Carlson, on a homestead in what is now the Grand Teton National Park. At the time, the area had not yet become part of the park. He and his four siblings grew up without running water or indoor plumbing, relying on hunting, canning, and other skills to provide for many of their daily needs.

He attended a one-room schoolhouse with other children from the surrounding homesteads. From an early age, he learned the value of hard work. He helped wrangle horses from the pastures for a dude ranch and spent one summer running a tourist boat-rental operation with his uncle. Eventually, the family moved to the town of Jackson Hole, where he found another job: cleaning out the potbellied stoves and getting them warmed up before the evening movies at the local theater. He earned just ten cents an hour, but those early jobs taught him lessons in responsibility, perseverance, and self-reliance that stayed with him throughout his life.

Chuck went on to graduate in Gardiner, Montana. The family eventually moved to Rock Springs, Wyoming, and shortly after the United States entered World War II, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. Following his training, he was assigned to serve in the Pacific theater, spending much of his time stationed on Guam.

While working in Cheyenne, he met Janice at a holiday party. They were married the following fall and went on to build a life together. Last year, they celebrated their 71st wedding anniversary—a remarkable milestone in a marriage that they reached just prior to Janice’s passing.

He worked for the U.S. Department of Labor in the Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training, a career that eventually brought the family to Northglenn, Colorado. There, he and Janice raised their two daughters, Connie and Linda. He continued his work in apprenticeship and training for many years, eventually serving as the State Supervisor for the Colorado Department before retiring.

Throughout the years, he was actively involved with Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church, the Adams County Historical Society, and the Rocky Mountain Oldsmobile Club. He was also always willing to lend a hand to Janice and support the various clubs and organizations she was involved with over the years.

He was a talented and resourceful handyman who could tackle just about any construction project. One of his biggest accomplishments was finishing their entire basement. He also had a creative side and enjoyed illustrating funny sketches and writing poems that brought laughter to those around him.

In his free time, he enjoyed fishing, gardening, and puttering around in his personal workshop where he was always finding something to build, fix, or work on.

Chuck is survived by his daughter Linda and son-in-law Larry, and his son-in-law Kirk. He will be lovingly remembered by his grandchildren Ashley (Dan), Alena (Dillon), and Ryan (Angela), as well as his ten great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, his daughter Connie, and grandson Tyler.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Chuck’s life on November 7, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Olinger Highland Mortuary and Cemetery in Thornton, Colorado.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Adams County Historical Society and Museum (https://www.adamscountymuseum.com/donate) and Susan G Komen Breast Cancer Foundation (www.komen.org).