Donald Carlson, 80

Donald DuWayne Carlson, 80, Alexandria, died January 27, 2011 in Sun City West, Arizona, following a year-long battle with cancer.

Memorial services will be held at Shalom Lutheran Church in Alexandria on May 23 at 1 p.m.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Ann (Finnestad); son, Bruce (Annette Theide); daughters, Deb Maaske (Tim), and Julie Speck (Mike); grandchildren, Mike and Meredith Maaske, Andrew and Rachel Speck; siblings, Wes (Lola), Bill (Winnie Lee), Rodney (Lynne), Pearlann Tabor (John), Richard Finnestad (Carolyn); and many aunts, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Don was born in Marathon, Iowa, to Pearl Petterson and Eldon Carlson. He and Mary Ann were married on June 15, 1952. In 1955 Don accepted a job in Ames, Iowa, teaching math and as a guidance counselor before becoming principal of Ames Middle School. Don announced his retirement one week before Mary Ann was struck by a school bus, which altered their last 20 years together.

In retirement they built a home on Lake Ida in Alexandria, where they had spent their honeymoon! His involvement at Shalom Lutheran Church, the Alexandria Golf and Country Club, Lions and the Lake Ida Homeowner’s Association brought him great joy.

Don was strong in his faith and his love of family and friends. He is resting in peace knowing they are filled with his love, cherishing the many memories they shared.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the Don Carlson Memorial, benefiting Ames Middle School. Send checks payable to “Don Carlson Memorial” to Julie Speck, 16922 W 66th Lane, Arvada CO 80007.

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