John P. “Jack” Carlson of South Haven died Sunday, July 4, 2004, at the Buffalo Hospital. He was 68 years old.
A memorial service was held at 2 p.m. Thursday, July 8, at Zion Lutheran Church in Buffalo with Pastor John P. Folkerds officiating. Friends called two hours prior to the service at the church on Thursday. A reception followed the service.
John P. Carlson was born October 25, 1935, to Hilmer A. “Coke” and Dorothy V. (Cederberg) Carlson of Minneapolis. Jack served his country in the United States Navy. He married Joyce M. Heidelberger Sept. 20, 1955, at Salem Lutheran Church in Minneapolis. God blessed their family with four children. Jack formerly served as the police chief of St. Francis and as its civil defense director. He was a charter member and past president of the St. Francis Lions Club. He was also a Scout Master. Jack served as a sergeant and treasurer in his more than 20 years on the Wright County Sheriff’s Reserves. He was also the first paramedic for Buffalo Ambulance. He was an active and faithful member of Zion Lutheran Church in Buffalo. Jack was a Stephen Minister, served on the Church Council and World Mission Committee.
John was also an usher and served home communion. Jack was preceded in death by his parents, both in 1990.
He is survived by his wife Joyce M. Carlson; children Daryl (and Wilai) Carlson of South Haven; Diane (and Larry) Hagadorn of Annandale; Donna (and Bob) Baumann of Watkins; and David (and Betty) Carlson of Richmond; 20 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and other relatives and friends. Arrangements were by Peterson Chapel in Buffalo.
