Obituary: Robert L. Carlson

Robert L. Carlson, 78, passed away peacefully on July 16, 2020 at Northern Comfort Care Facility in Manistique, Michigan.

Robert L. Carlson
(01/16/1942 – 07/16/2020)

He was born on January 16, 1942, the oldest son of Carl L. Carlson and Phyllis (Beauvais) Carlson. Bob was preceded in death by his father and mother. He is survived by his sons Robert (Christi) Ryan of Manistique and Benjamin (Amanda) Carlson of Caledonia, as well as brothers Philip (Kathie) Carlson of Marquette and Thomas Carlson of Manistique. He was also the proud grandparent of four grandchildren – Corban and Rachel Ryan, and Jordan and Kenslee Carlson.

Bob attended Manistique High School, graduating in 1960. One of his proudest memories was being a member and quarterback of the MHS football team that was the State Class B 1959 Football Champion. He attended Michigan State University before traveling to the states of Oregon and Washington where he worked on several assignments with Weyerhaeuser Corporation, learning the logging and lumber business.

After returning to Manistique, Bob began working at the family business, Manistique Lumber & Supply Co., in 1962. For over fifty years, Bob worked in sales, purchasing, design, estimating, and management and helped thousands of people get materials to build homes, garages, sheds, cabins, and much more. Initially, he worked with his father Carl; during the last three decades he worked with his brother Tom. The Carlson family ran a successful and quality business for 90 years that residents of Schoolcraft County and beyond could depend upon for their building needs.

Bob was very active in the Manistique business community and was also a member of many civic and social organizations – some for nearly 50 years – including Indian Lake Golf and Country Club, the Fraternal Order of Eagles Club, Manistique Rotary, the Sport Fishing Club of Manistique, the Manistique Rifle and Pistol Club, the Loyal Order of the Moose, the National Rifle Association, and Whitetails Unlimited.

Of all his social associations, none received his time, devotion, and attention as much as the Manistique Elks Lodge #632. Over the course of 58 years as a member, Bob served the Elks in multiple capacities, including four terms as Exalted Ruler (E.R.), as District Deputy for the Northeast Region, Chair of the House Committee, and numerous others. Bob was also the Head of the Elks National Foundation Committee, which raises money for grants and scholarships, and he became a life member of the Elks in February 2007. Bob’s dedication to the Elks Lodge #632 and its missions was a deeply important part of his life. His service there brought joy and opportunity to many in the community he loved.

Another passion that received much of Bob’s time and attention over the last twenty years was establishing his hunting camp, the Haymeadow Country Club. Bob was instrumental in acquiring the property and building the camp along with three friends in a remote area in northern Schoolcraft County. Alongside his son Ben, many of Bob’s fondest memories included socializing and hunting whitetail deer at “The Haymeadow.”

To commemorate Bob’s full and adventurous life, friends and family are invited to a reception that will be held on Friday, July 24, 2020 at the Manistique Rifle and Pistol Club from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Graveside interment services will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations in Bob’s name be made to the Manistique Area Sport Fishing Club or the Elks National Foundation, c/o Manistique Lodge #632. Donations can be mailed to 8207W Manistique Avenue, Manistique, MI 49854.

Source: Fausett Family Funeral Homes of Manistique