Carlson, WIlliam O.

William O. Carlson, 85, of rural Anamosa, died Monday, Sept. 30, 2013, at St. Luke's Hospital following a sudden illness. There will be private family services. Iowa Cremation is in charge of arraignments.

Survivors include six children, Jim Carlson, Bonnie (Andy) Colehour and Bill (Deb) Carlson, all of Anamosa, Becky (Dean) Gildersleeve of Bondurant, Brenda Carlson of Cedar Rapids and Bob (Theresa) Carlson of Monticello.

He is also survived by seven grandchildren, Corey and Chris Carlson, Jesse, Kelly and Keith Colehour, Justin Carlson and Dawn Gildersleeve; three great-grandchildren, Maris and Brooks Carlson and Brennan Colehour; as well as a brother, Bob (Joyce) Carlson and family of California.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Lois; and an infant granddaughter, Stacy Carlson.

Bill was born May 8, 1928, in rural Anamosa, the son of Henry and Bessie Stover Carlson. He married Lois Faye Richert on Aug. 15, 1954, in Lisbon. Lois passed away in 2005. Bill was a man of the soil. He farmed in Jones County all of his life and enjoyed mushroom hunting, deer hunting and raising exotic animals. His greatest joy was working the land and the time spent with his close friends and beloved family. His memory will be cherished by all who knew and loved him.

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Published in The Gazette Oct. 2, 2013.