Obituary of Charles Carlson

Charles Carlson , 97 of Eugene died peacefully of age related causes on July 12, 2014. He was born in Dover, Del. on July 20, 1916 to Carl & Helene Carlson who immigrated from Norway. He was the youngest of 5 children. His parents, brother and 3 sisters preceded him in death. He grew up in rural Delaware and after graduating from high school worked as a union meat cutter before entering the US Army in 1941. He proudly served in both the 1st and 45th Infantry Divisions as part of the 7th Army under Gen. Patton and 5th Army under Gen. Mark Clark. He participated in the Allied landings in North Africa, Sicily, Anzio, Selerno and Southern France. He rose to the rank of Sergeant, was wounded and returned to Walter Reed Army hospital where he was honorably discharged in 1945. He then worked as a Federal Investigator assigned to various government projects including HUAC and the Air Force's Project Bluebook.In 1947 he married the love of his life, Sara Louise. In 1951 Charlie and Louise bought a modest GI Bill home in what was then the small town of Bethesda Md. While working full time and raising two children he attended night school at American University eventually graduating with a BA in government administration in 1958. Upon receiving his degree he went to work in the civil enforcement division of the US Dept. of Labor where he assisted in the Department's investigation and reform of the United Mineworkers Union after the Yablonski murder. After 35 years of government service he retired in 1976 from his final position as deputy director of the Wage Hour Pension Division of the US Dept. of Labor.After the birth of their granddaughter Charlie and Louise moved west in 1990 and built their dream home in Eugene. Charlie & Louise traveled extensively during their retirement. Charlie loved to travel, tinker in his garage and visit friends, neighbors and family. He always had a story to tell & they tended to get better with each telling. He looked forward to every meal & used the locations of his many favorite restaurants as waypoints in his travels around Oregon. Most of all, Charlie was a loving Husband, Father and Grandfather whose greatest pleasure was being with his family and friends. There will be a private military honors graveside service schedule at a later date. He is survived by his loving wife and their children- Charles D. Carlson of Eugene, Deirdre H. Carlson of Boise, daughter in law Rebecca Kamitsuka, 2 grandchildren, Katherine Anne Carlson & Pieter Erik Janszen , his nephew who lived with the family, Carl Kelle of Orange Park Fl. and many cousins in Norway.In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate contributions in Charlie's name to the Eugene Mission, American Cancer Society, or the American Red Cross. You are invited to leave a message for the family and sign the guest book at musgroves.com