John R. Carlson

John R. Carlson went to his eternal reward on April 14, 2015. He was born November 22, 1922 to Alfred and Beulah (Bradt) Carlson in Money Creek, Houston County, MN. He attended the area schools and graduated from Houston high school in 1941. He had a love for music. Growing up he sang at many weddings and funerals, and later spent many years singing in the church choir. He farmed in the Houston area for several years. In 1953, he became a partner in Caledonia Implement, and later in Mabel Farm Equipment. He was married to Mary Schiltz in 1953, and they enjoyed 61 wonderful years of marriage together. To that union was born Greg, Joyce, Rick, Bob and Brian. In 1978, he and a partner started and operated two Hardees restaurants. In retirement, he and Mary traveled extensively, and enjoyed their home on the Mississippi River in Stoddard, WI. There, he enjoyed yard work and helping his neighbors. He was very much loved, and will be missed greatly.
He is survived by his wife, Mary of Stoddard; sons Greg (Kim Weber) of Montello, Bob (Cyndy) of Monticello, Brian of Madison; daughter Joyce (Gary Unseth) of Viroqua; grandchildren Kristina Reinhart (Mike Koehler) of Eau Claire and Steven Reinhart of Denver; Karissa, Julia and Isaiah Carlson of Monticello; and great-granddaughter Madison Koehler of Eau Claire.
He is also survived by two sisters, Blanche Smith (Atlanta, Georgia), Bonnie Johnson (Whitehall, WI);two brothers, Lyle Carlson (Onalaska, WI) and Ronald Carlson (Houston, MN).
He was preceded in death by his son Richard Carlson, grandson Jeremiah Carlson, and sisters Barbara Fossen, Lucille Miller, Esther Ford, Betty Peterson and brother Curtis Carlson.
Blessed be the memory of John and may his soul rest in eternal peace.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 A.M. Monday, April 20th at Mary, Mother of the Church Parish at St. Thomas More Catholic Church in La Crosse with Rev. Brian D. Konopa officiating. Entombment will follow in Catholic Cemetery. Friends may call at the Schumacher-Kish Funeral and Cremation Services, 200 West Avenue South, La Crosse on Sunday from 4-6 PM where a prayer service will be held at 4:00 PM; and again on Monday at the church from 9:30 AM until the time of services.