Roy Carlson

Roy A. Carlson, 98, was born August 18, 1916 in Des Moines, Iowa. He was the son of Swedish immigrant parents, Edward and Hulda Carlson. Roy passed away September 8, 2014 at Iowa Lutheran Hospital in Des Moines surrounded by family and friends.

He graduated from East High School in January 1935, and was a member of the EHS Alumni Association and a lifelong resident of Des Moines. He never forgot his Scandinavian east side roots. He was a longtime member of Grand View Lutheran Church.
Roy proudly served in WWII and was assigned to the Army/Airforce Quartermasters Division serving in Ecuador, Panama and the Galapagos Islands. He was truly a member of the “Greatest Generation” and thoroughly enjoyed being part of the “Honor Flight” a few years ago.

Roy and his young nurse bride, Helen Engebritson, married on August 31, 1940; they celebrated 53 years of marriage. Roy attended Capital City Commercial College and worked for Iowa Paint Company as a salesman from 1935-43 and Iowa Packing Company from 1946-58 as a service salesman. He retired as an accountant for the United States Post Office in 1981 after 25 years of service. Roy was a perfectionist and his attention to detail was evidenced by everything he did through every aspect of his life. He even continued to meticulously balance his check book until a few weeks ago.

An avid reader, Roy stayed current in a wide variety of topics from current events to biographies to politics to sports. If you had any question about a historical event, just ask “Papa Roy” and he knew the date and the exact details. His sharp mind and wit was greatly admired.

Roy enjoyed being active and logged over 1000 miles in the YMCA Cardiac Rehab program. Biking to Saylorville and all around was a daily habit for him until he was 75 years old, long before all the biking trails in surrounding areas became so popular. He also enjoyed doing stained glass, working outside, spectator sports and spending time with his family.

Roy had a strong, quiet faith and was a humble, unassuming, and dignified gentleman with extreme integrity. “Papa Roy” was greatly loved and touched the lives of many generations and he will be greatly missed. He was a role model for everyone he met. His endearing smile and the twinkle in his eye captured our hearts. He was everyone’s grandpa. Roy loved spending time with his family and extended family and cherished the special memories made at family gatherings. He was extremely proud of his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Roy was preceded in death by his parents, brothers and sisters Folke, Grace, Emil and Virginia. He was also preceded by his loving wife, Helen. He is survived by his children Stephen (Sherry) Carlson of Hinsdale, Illinois, Karen (Richard) Bason of Des Moines, Iowa; grandchildren Erik Bason, Kristin (Todd) Stevenson, and Mark (Amy) Carlson; great-grandchildren Jake, Grace and Maggie Stevenson and Gunner and Jack Carlson.

The family would like to say a special thank you to his long time physicians, Dr. Marvin Huff and Dr. Amar Nath, as well as the nurses and staff at Iowa Lutheran Hospital.

Memorials may be made to Grand View Lutheran Church in Des Moines and Lutheran Services in Iowa, 3125 Cottage Grove, Des Moines.

Visitation will be held on Friday, Sept 12, 2014 from 6-8 p.m. at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Avenue, Des Moines. The funeral will be held on Saturday, September 13, 2014 at 2 p.m. at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens.
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Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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