Gordon "Gordy" Eugene Carlson

Gordon “Gordy” Carlson was born on March 22, 1936 in St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin to John and Alice Carlson. He passed away peacefully on June 2, 2021 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, which was home to him since WWII ended.

After moving to Grand Rapids with his family, Gordy graduated from Union High School, Class of 1954 and was awarded the Jon Bos Athletic Scholarship to GRJC. After graduation, he attended GRJC and was an athlete in basketball and baseball. It was there that Gordy met his future bride, Susan Johnson in 1957. He ultimately obtained his Bachelor’s degree from Aquinas College. A monumental day in Gordy’s life was on August 1, 1959, when he married the love of his life, Sue.

Gordy and Sue have been members of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Grand Rapids for over 60 years. In 1957, Gordy began playing for his beloved Sullivan’s Baseball Team under Bob Sullivan and continued for many years. From 1960 to 1966, he served in the Army National Guard and obtained the rank of Staff Sergeant E-6.

Gordy was loved by all of his cronies at Scott Lake CC, Bob’s Bar, the Elbow Room and yes, of course, Ducks. He enjoyed the game of golf with all of its challenges of hitting from the left side of the ball, and sometimes putting the ball 30 yards from the green. He always hoped for another Tiger’s World Series Championship, and still insisted that the Lions could win on Sundays, too. He loved to sing in the church choir and the Grand Rapids Symphony Side-Kicks.

During Gordy and Sue’s nearly 62 years of marriage, they were blessed with their 3 sons, Steve (Sue), Mic (Susan) and Matt (Anne). Gordy cherished his boys and his beautiful daughters-in-law. He also adored his only grandchild, Chase, and shared with him a mutual love of baseball, the greatest game there is.

A Memorial Visitation will take place on Wednesday, June 16th from 3-5 PM at Reyers North Valley Chapel, followed by the Memorial at 5 PM. A Celebration of Gordy’s life will be held at St. Adalbert’s Fraternal Aid (Fifth Street Hall, 701 5th St NW) following the Service at 6 PM.

Memorial contributions may be made to Saint Francis of Assisi Sculpture Garden (https://instrumentsofhope.net/support-ioh/) or Bethlehem Lutheran Church.