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Bruce Edmond Carlson

MICHIGAMME, MI – Bruce Edmund Carlson, lifelong resident of Michigamme, died in his childhood home in the presence and care of his loving family and UPHHH 2 days before his 95th Birthday.

Bruce was born November 28, 1923 at the Augustana Hospital in Minneapolis as the only son of Arvid Wilhem and Esther Cecelia Nelson Carlson. Other than time spent away at school and in the Military, he spent his whole life in the home built by his Father in 1924.

Bruce went to school in Michigamme and graduated in 1941 as the salutatorian and then spent one year at the University in Marquette before volunteering for the draft during World War II. He was trained as an enlisted officer in the Army Air Corp as a flight officer and navigator in the B17, B24 and B29. He was honorably discharged in 1946. He returned to college and graduated in 1950 with a BA in Chemistry. That same year, on July 29th, he married the love of his life Esther Sylvia Numminen and enjoyed nearly 66 years of marriage until his wife’s death, April 11, 2017. Together they raised 4 children in their home. His professional life spanned 35 years, beginning in the Michigamme Public School system in the fall of 1950 and ending in the Ishpeming Public School system in June of 1985. He taught in Michigamme for 6 years, the last 2 as Superintendent. He began in the Ishpeming Public School system in the fall of 1956, teaching drivers training and mathematics. During his tenure, he obtained his master’s in administration through the University of Michigan and the University of New York, spending time in Ann Arbor and Buffalo N. Y He was an inspiration to many students and kept an orderly classroom.

Bruce’s early life was tragically interrupted by the premature death of his mother when he was 6 years old. His mother’s sister Selma Nelson came to Michigamme after this event and dedicated her life to taking care of Bruce and his father. Bruce had many interesting experiences in his youth, among them being a partner with his paternal Uncle Gust Carlson farming, cutting ice in the lake to sell to local homes and businesses, riding trains, watching horse drawn snow plows and fire fighting equipment, working with his Father and Uncle Frank at the Carlson Bros. Garage and pulling multiple pranks with friends in town.

At an early age he developed a passion for being in the woods and under the instruction of his Father and 2 uncles he began a lifelong interest in hunting and fishing. Marquette and Baraga county saw his footprints crossing and crisscrossing as he sought game in the woods and streams. He enjoyed a friendship with Maurice Ball and together with his Uncle Gust refurbished a Deer Camp in the woods around Shank Lake and enjoyed many deer seasons hunting and socializing. In later years his two sons joined him in the summer and fall fishing and hunting treks. He enjoyed many years hunting pheasant and partridge and trapping with his son Bryan who became his best buddy and soul mate, sharing in all activities at home and the fun in the woods.

After retirement, Bruce and Esther traveled extensively and visited all 50 states and spent 3 weeks on a trip to Europe. They enjoyed multiple trips to South Dakota to visit friends there. Bruce was a faithful member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Michigamme and then Our Redeemer Lutheran Church. He served in many capacities over the years including council and building committee memberships and the Director of Vacation Bible School. Early in his married life, Bruce was heavily involved in the Michigamme Lion’s Club speaking often of the summer Boat Shows put on by the Club. Bruce enjoyed most spending time with his wife and family in their home. He spearheaded multiple camping trips and picnics, assisted education plans of his children and lovingly provided a stable home environment. Christmas remained the single most celebrated time in the Carlson home characterized by sharing gifts and stories, listening to music, singing, eating good food and together attending Christmas Eve services. His enthusiasm for these times was fueled by his wife who also counted among her greatest experiences those spent with her husband and children.

As the years passed, Bruce enjoyed a growth in his Faith in the Promises of God revealed in Jesus Christ. Because of this, his future is secure and he enjoys the fullness of God in Eternal Life– and he has joined his loved one Esther. His family grieves however not without hope-Hope is in the Lord. We eagerly await our joyous reunion some day in the presence of God.

Bruce is survived by four children- Marcia (Patrick) Hallfrisch, Wayne (Jean), Bryan (Chrysan) and Julie (Gary) Walimaa; 10 Grandchildren- Stephen and Andy (Beverly) Hallfrisch, Laura (Michael) Elliott, Caleb Carlson, Daniel Carlson, Luke Carlson, Aaron Carlson, Jennie Carlson, Abby Walimaa and April Walimaa; 6 Great grandchildren- Seth Elliott, Jonah Elliott, Benjamin Elliott, Joshua Elliott, Lily Elliott and Russell Elliott, along with many nieces and nephews.

Private funeral services, with Military Honors were held at the Our Redeemer Lutheran Church. Interment will take place at the Lakeview Cemetery in Michigamme.

Memorials may be directed to Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, US 41, Champion, MI 49814 or to UPHHH, 510 Mather Ave., Ishpeming, MI 49849.

Bruce’s obituary may also be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.