Mark C. Carlson

Mark Charles Carlson, 61, of Topeka, KS, passed away Friday, January 16, 2015 at the Midland Hospice House after a brief illness. Mark was born in Litchfield, MN, on January 20, 1953, the son of Lester C. and Margaret (Iverson) Carlson.

Mark was a 1972 graduate of Topeka High School. His early employment years were with King's Food Host, Knights Restaurant and Ripley's Dry Cleaning. He recently retired from Stormont-Vail Healthcare System, after 39 years as a Linen Technician.

He was a member of the Central Park Christian Church where he served in a variety of ways including helping with the mid-week children's ministry.

He was an avid sports fan and was a season ticket holder for Washburn Basketball – first attending with his family when they relocated to Topeka in 1969. Out of character for Mark, he didn't mind yelling at the refs once in a while when he thought something was unfair. KU Jayhawks and Minnesota Vikings were also among his favorite sports teams. Another enjoyment for Mark over the years has been his dogs, Princess, Ginger and Max. He genuinely loved people, and was always kind and non-judgmental. He was mostly easygoing and quick witted.

He is survived by his wife, Leann, whom he married May 5, 2007 in Topeka, his father, Lester; brothers, Jack (Gail) Carlson of Topeka and Joel Carlson of Apopka, Florida; and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his mother Margaret "Muggs" Carlson.

Mark will lie in state from 2-4 p.m., Thursday, January 22, 2015 at the Penwell-Gabel Parker-Price Chapel, 245 NW Independence Ave, Topeka, where the family will greet friends from 6-8 p.m. A celebration of Mark's life will be at 10 a.m. Friday, January 23, 2015 at the Central Park Christian Church, 1535 SW Clay St, Topeka, KS.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions to Midland Care Hospice, 200 SW Frazier Circle, Topeka KS 66606.

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