Age 92
Lyons, SD
May 16, 2024
Robert Melvin Carlson, age 92, of Lyons, passed away on Thursday, May 16, 2024, at his home in Lyons. Funeral services for Bob and his son will begin at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, May 23, 2024, at West Nidaros Lutheran Church, rural Crooks. Interment will be in the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the West Nidaros Cemetery Columbarium Fund.
Robert was born on February 4, 1932, in Alexandria, South Dakota, to Melvin and Frances (LaDue) Carlson. He grew up in Alexandria and graduated from Alexandria High School. After high school, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served honorably until his discharge in 1954 from active duty. He continued to serve in the reserves until 1963.
Bob married Margaret Herman in 1955 in Parkston and to this union, three children were born. On April 8, 1978, he married Gail Anderson Renner at West Nidaros Lutheran Church.
Bob worked for Alexandria Grain & Oil Company, the SD State Ag Department, and the tire department for Montgomery Wards in Mitchell before beginning his career with the United States Postal Service. Bob was postmaster in Alexandria and Dell Rapids. He was acting engineer for east river post offices, and officer in charge of the Brookings and Watertown post offices. Bob helped coordinate the implementation of ZIP+4 in five states. Bob was very active in his community and church. He was Mayor and Fire Chief of Alexandria. At West Nidaros, he was head usher and held many other positions including chairman.
Bob is survived by his wife Gail, Lyons; children Kevin Carlson, Portland, OR, and Jody (Wade) Strand, Mitchell; stepson Tim (Kärin) Renner, Crooks; grandchildren Bobby (Angie) Carlson, Camren (Brooklin) Carlson, Mike (Ada) Jonnassen, Matt (Katie) Strand, Chris (Megan) Strand, Dan (Abby) Renner, Elizabeth Renner; and great-grandchildren Devon and Cole Carlson; Tyler, Tate, and Kendall Strand; Emmett, Aliza, and Elsie Strand; and Jett Renner.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin and Frances; son Robert A. Carlson; sisters Esther Tierney and Doris Ciaverella; and brothers Elwood, Dwaine, and Maurice.
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