Donald David Carlson, 92

Donald David Carlson, 92, of Missoula, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2009, of natural causes.

He was born on Oct. 5, 1916, in Coleharbor, N.D., to Carl and Christine Carlson. He grew up on a farm in North Dakota with his brother Carl, and his twin sisters, Bev and Betty. He graduated from Minot State University in 1939 and was later inducted into their Basketball Hall of Fame.

On Aug. 24, 1940, he married his college sweetheart, Tommy "Marion" Arndt. They had three children, David, Susan and James, and were happily married for 68 years.

Don enjoyed teaching and coaching. He opened the University of Montana University Center as building engineer, and he was an avid Griz fan. He loved golf, bridge, and spending time with his family. He was a life-long Elks member, a Mu Sigma fraternity member, and a member of Atonement Lutheran Church.

He is survived by his wife, Tommy; his daughter, Susan; his son, James, and wife, Marilyn; and his grandchildren, Jacque Harris, Heidi Hanks and husband Aaron, Lisa Jahraus and husband Steve, Amy Peterson and husband Eric, Megan Carlson, and Kim Nelson and husband Nick, and his great-grandchildren, Ryan, Katelyn and Sarah Hanks; also by his siblings, Betty Nelson, and Beverly Lindbloom and husband Warren.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Christine; his brother, Carl; and his son, David.

Don's greatest love was his family, and he prayed for his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren nightly.

Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 7, at Atonement Lutheran Church.

The family suggests memorials to Flathead Lutheran Bible Camp, 603 Main Street, Kalispell, MT 59901.