Frederic A. “Fritz” Carlson

Monday, October 17, 2016 1:33 pm

Frederic A. “Fritz” Carlson, 90, of Decorah, passed away peacefully surrounded by his immediate family Friday, Oct. 7, 2016, at Winneshiek Medical Center in Decorah. Memorial services are at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 22, at First United Methodist Church in Decorah, with Rev. John Caldwell officiating.  A reception to greet the family is from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 21, at Oneota Golf & Country Club, 1714 Golf Road, Decorah.

Giving to the last moment, Fritz donated his body to science. He was devoted to the family business, his family, his community and helping others. Fritz would be delighted if you would each do something generous and kind for others. In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to the Humane Society of Northeast Iowa (HSNEI), 2345 Millennium Road, Decorah, IA 52101, Decorah Community School District Foundation (Endowment for Scholarships), 510 Winnebago Street, Decorah IA 52101, Porter House Museum, 401 W. Broadway Street, Decorah, IA 52101 or the charity of your choice.

Fjelstul Funeral Home in Decorah is serving the family. Online condolences may be made at fjelstul.com.

Frederic Arnold “Fritz” Carlson was born Oct. 22, 1925, in Decorah, to Frederic Hjalmar and Helen (Arnold) Carlson. He graduated as valedictorian from Decorah Senior High in 1943. As part of the “greatest generation,” he enlisted in the US Army and served in WWII in the 86th Blackhawk Infantry Division. He made lifelong friends through his service. Fritz attended the University of Iowa on the GI Bill and was a member of the Theta Xi fraternity. He graduated with an engineering degree and began work for the family owned business, Fred Carlson Company, in 1949. He was honored to be able to provide employment for many area residents. Fritz married Marjorie Reed Feb. 5, 1949, in Iowa City. To this union three children were born: Christine Ann, Frederic Reed and Randall Warren. Following Marge’s passing, Fritz met Loma Bruening and was united in marriage Nov. 16, 1968. To this union three children were born: Garth Mathew, Bradford Arnold and Lara Theresa Elizabeth. Fritz was a humble and generous citizen of the Decorah Community. He served on various boards and was a member of numerous local organizations, including the United Methodist Church. During his career, he was active in the paving industry and also served as president of the Iowa Concrete Paving Association. Fritz truly enjoyed life. He could often be found singing around the piano, playing cards and enthusiastically buying and sharing drinks with his friends. He always had a joke or story to share, with a twinkle in his eye and a hearty laugh. He was an avid Iowa Hawkeyes and Cubs fan, even having attended the 1938 World Series to watch his Cubbies. He was in a bowling league and was one of the first to bowl a 300 game. Fritz was a member of Silvercrest and Oneota Golf and Country Clubs, and was thrilled with his hole-in-one on the old number 5 bullpen at Oneota. He loved to travel and enjoyed many trips and cruises abroad as well as excursions to the horse races and dog tracks with his wife and friends.

Fritz is survived by his wife, Loma, of Decorah; his children: Frederic Reed (Sandy) of Decorah, Garth (Donna) of Bettendorf, Bradford of Decorah, Lara (Garth) Dolphin of Gales Ferry, Conn.; seven grandchildren: Frederic Andrew “Andy” (Marnie) Carlson, Katie (Adam) Hunt, Hunter and Avery Dolphin, Addie and Halle Carlson, Ella Carlson; three great-grandchildren: Ariel and Oscar Hunt, Marit Carlson; and dear friend to the family, Germaine Schneberger.

Fritz was preceded in death by his parents, Frederic Hjalmar and Helen (Arnold) Carlson; his late wife, Marjorie Reed; his daughter, Christine; his son, Randy; and his sister, Carol Aschim.