December 12, 1939 – October 12, 2020
Danny Douglas Carlson, 80, of Lake Leelanau, MI passed away Monday, Oct. 12, 2020 at Munson Medical Center with his family by his side.
Dan was born Dec. 12, 1939 in Waupaca, Wisconsin, the son of Carl and Theresa (Minton) Carlson. On August 20, 1961 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Waupaca, WI, he married Nancy L. (Thompson) Carlson who survives. They were married for 59 years. Dan graduated from Waupaca High School (’58) and then enrolled at the University of Wisconsin, earning a bachelor’s degree. After college, Dan began his career at General Motors, spending 36 years with the Buick Motor Division and EDS as a Business Manager. Like many areas of Dan’s life, he didn’t just work for GM he considered it a service. Dan and Nancy moved their family to Grand Blanc, MI early in his career until Dan retired in 1996. After retirement, Dan and Nancy moved to their dream home on S. Lake Leelanau where Dan served as the Bingham Twp. Zoning Administrator for several years. Dan was first and foremost a family man, his vows of marriage were not just words to him but a deep commitment. Dan lived that commitment to Nancy every day of his life, he made caring for her his life’s purpose. Symbolically, Dan would never remove his ring for anything but golf, his favorite pastime activity. Notably, Dan was committed to his civic duty and community, always willing to volunteer – his leadership impacted many throughout his life. He was very social and a wonderful conversationalist, his understanding of people drew others to him, many saying Dan was a truly genuine and caring man. He would welcome friends with a new joke and humor. Throughout his years, he enjoyed playing cards, especially Bridge with family and friends. Dan always took great pride and care in his image, as far back as high school; friends recognized Dan with the Best Dressed Award and acknowledged his impact with these words, “He’s an athlete of whom we’re proud, a dash of fun in every crowd”. Dan was an avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed playing golf, fishing and maintaining his lake house; Dan had several life-long passions, you could always find him near water, from his youth in Waupaca on the Chain-o-Lakes to the many lakes of the Grand Traverse area. Dan was also a passionate and life-long fan of the Green Bay Packers. Dan’s immediate and extended family was the bedrock of his life. With many relatives in Wisconsin, holidays and summer vacations were spent travelling to the Badger State. The family also fell in love with the Grand Traverse area while vacationing during the Annual Cherry Festival every year. In addition, Dan was frequently attending his kid’s high school activities from football or basketball games to watch his daughter cheer on Pom Pom, to attending cross country and track meets for his son. These events almost always ended with a family pizza night at Little Joe’s Restaurant in Grand Blanc. For 11 years of retirement, Dan and Nancy would also drive their RV to Gulf Shores, Alabama to escape the Michigan winters. This extended their network of friends and acquaintances from all over the U.S. This also allowed them to travel back to Waupaca for High School Grand Reunions and explore the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
Dan was proud of his children and grandchildren holding them closely in his heart. Dan is also survived by two children, Julie (David) Ulseth of Interlochen and Eric (Kimberly) Carlson of Commerce, MI. They have four grandchildren, all in Michigan, Emily (Ryan) Heins of Wixom, Andrew (fiancée Kim) Carlson of Troy, Thomas Ulseth of Royal Oak, and Morgan Ulseth of Interlochen, also a great-grandchild (Heins), who is on the way in January of 2021. Dan is also survived by a sister, Connie (Tom) Petrillo of Williamstown, NJ; sisters-in-law, Lorrie (William) Clayton of Grafton, WI, and Donna Milius of Cedarburg, WI. Additionally, many other relatives, including nieces, nephews, close personal friends, and his poodle sidekick, KD. Dan was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother-in-law, Kenneth Milius.
There will be no public calling hours or funeral service. The family will be having a private burial at Keswick Maple Grove Cemetery in Bingham Twp., MI. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Leelanau Conservancy, 105 N. First St., Leland, MI 49654. Please share condolences with Dan’s family at www.martinson.info.