Memorial
Eugene “Swede” William Carlson, 86, of Cedar Rapids, died Thursday, September 3, 2015 at his home. Funeral Service: 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 8, 2015 at Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories with visitation being held from 2-5 p.m. prior to service. Burial: Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery at a later date. Following the service, a Celebration of Life will be held at the Moose Lodge at 1820 West Post Road SW, Cedar Rapids.
Swede was born March 12, 1929, the son of William and Helen Carlson in Palisade, MN. On October 23, 1954, he married Joanne Schlee. She passed away in 1993. He then married Carol Williams on November 28, 2000. Carol passed away in 2009. Swede worked as a heavy equipment mechanic most of his life. When he had reached sixty-five years, having been a member, he received the International Union of Operating Engineers pin. After he retired in 1992 from Dave Schmitt Construction, he still continued to turn wrenches. Swede had an avid love for antique cars and John Deere tractors. He never missed the Steam & Gas Engine Show in Ushers Ferry. He was a member of the Eagles Club and Model A Ford Club of America. Family was the most important thing to Swede. He greatly enjoyed being a father, grandfather and spending time with his family, especially his great-grandchildren.
Survivors include his two children, Gayla Yeakle, Scott (Lisa) Carlson; special friend, Pat Trusdale; grandchildren, Kristin (Eric) Daywitt, Travis (Jen) Yeakle, Nichole (Brian) Frye, Andrea (Derek) Hartwig, Joseph (Mandy) Carlson, Kevin (Janelle) Anderson, Chad (Melissa) Anderson, Troy (Amanda) Krahmer, Trent (Jenni) Krahmer; great-grandchildren, Ryan, Anastasia, Alaina, Abel, Alexis, Madison, Bennett, Brooklynn, Airika, Andrew, Tyson, Liberty; brothers, Dick (Mary) Carlson, Don (Ginny) Carlson; half-brother, Jonathan (Sandy) Edwards; step-children, Christy (Donnie) Dykes, Jay Trotter; step-grandchildren, Maria (Jason) Corey, Mikka Behrends, Brandon Beaty; step-great-grandchildren, Lorianna, Jessica, and T.J.
He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife Joanne; second wife, Carol; daughter, Linda Carlson; and sister, Joyce Carlson.
Memorials may be directed to Hospice of Mercy in Eugene’s memory.