Gary Carlson of Grand Rapids, MI passed away on August 21, 2023 at 80 years old. Gary was born in Flint, MI to Ivas and Edith Carlson. He enjoyed residing in Talkeetna, AK before moving back to his Michigan roots in 2020. Gary was a US Marine Corps Veteran, serving from 1960-1966 as a Field Radio Operator, which included a tour in Japan. Gary retired early from General Motors, Flint Buick Complex in 1993 at the age of 50, as a Journeyman Electrician to set off to Alaska to pursue his dream. He cherished the special times with his Alaskan family (Mother, Sister, Nieces and Nephews) and friends.

Gary was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, and reading. For seven years, he was a Ranch Caretaker at The Bucklar 77 Bar Ranch in Grand Canyon, AZ. Gary was a business owner for four years (Tub House & Tanning) in Wasilla, AK where he enjoyed sponsoring Iditarod Racers and meeting them at the end point in Nome, AK. Gary owned a gold claim for a season near Chicken, AK, spent a winter doing electrical work in Barrow, AK and he also worked as a Lodge Caretaker for several years at the Chelatna Lake Lodge in Chelatna, AK. Every experience led him to new adventures, new friends, more stories, and finding solitude in the woods.

Gary was predeceased by his parents and siblings Harvey Carlson (Flint, MI) and Donna Bumgardner (Wasilla, AK). Gary leaves behind his four daughters; Tammy Kelly (David) of Flagstaff, AZ; Natalie Carlson (Doug McCotter) of Sparta, MI; Shelley Donnelly (Mike) of Zeeland, MI; and Cindy Dewitt of Fayetteville, AR; Six Grand Children; 3 Great Grand Children; Many Nieces and Nephews including Vicky Wood (Greg) of Kokomo, IN; Sherry Davis of Stetsonville, WI; David Davis of Bloomington, IN; Mellisa Cummings of Anchorage, AK; Christina Holden (Bob) of Holly, MI; and special friend of over 30 years, Tina Pixley.

Dad mentioned several times the last couple of weeks before his passing from cancer, "I can't wait to dance through the tulips and to see the other side!" Family and friends may share a memory at OfieldFuneralHome.com.