Dennis Carlson — UPDATED
Dennis E. Carlson, 74, Rochester, died at 5:55 a.m., Sunday, May 1, 2022, at Center for Hospice, Mishawaka.
Dennis was born Sept. 14, 1947, in Rochester, to the late Francis Truman and Martha Jean (Stretch) Carlson. He was married on July 2, 1967, in Gridley, Calif., to Mary Louisa Neves; she survives.
He was a 1965 graduate of Rochester High School. He then served his country in the U.S. Air Force from 1966 to 1970. While in the service, he was a crew chief for the B-52. He was a member of the American Legion Post #36, Rochester. He worked for numerous implement dealers in the area which included Massey, New Holland, John Deere, International Harvester and White. He also worked for the Polk family and retired from A&I Products in 2019, where his territory was all of Michigan.
Dennis was a fan of racing. He enjoyed NASCAR, the Indy 500 and dirt racing. He loved spending time with his grandkids. Dennis always enjoyed driving, especially with his wife. Every week was a holiday when he and his wife traveled on his sales route.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Carlson, Rochester; sons, Shawn P. (Paula) Carlson Sr., Silver Lake, Nelson (Tracy) Carlson, Elwood and Dylan (Amanda) Carlson, Akron; 10 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; brothers, Kent (Elizabeth) Carlson, Keith (Chris) Carlson and Kevin (Debra) Carlson.
Dennis was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Jerry Carlson; and sister-in-law, Kathy Carlson.
Everyone may arrive at 3:45 p.m. for a celebration of his life along with military honors at 4 p.m., Saturday, June 25, 2022, at Hartzler Funeral Home 305 West Rochester St., Akron. Friends may gather to socialize and share stories of Dennis’s life following the service until 6:00 p.m.
Memorial contributions can be made in his memory to Center for Hospice Care Raclin House 535 Comfort Place Mishawaka, IN 46545.
Share a memory or send an online condolence at: www.hartzlerfuneralservices.com.