Robert J. Carlson

OBITUARY: Robert James "Bob" Carlson
Robert James "Bob" Carlson, 69, Topeka, died Wed., April 27, 2011, at the University of Kansas Medical Center, K.C., KS, surrounded by his loving family. He was born May 2, 1941, in Marysville, the son of John H. and Marjorie M. (McCoy) Carlson. He was raised at Irving and graduated from Blue Rapids High School in 1959. Also in 1959 he was confirmed and baptized at St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Blue Rapids. Before retiring in 2003, he was a superintendent for Herrman's Excavating; and previously had worked for Quality Excavating and Emerson Construction. During his career he received several awards for his outstanding performance in building streets and installing utilities throughout Topeka and Shawnee County. After retiring he helped his nephews at Carlson I-70 Auto Auction. Bob was married to Terry Riffel Carlson on Nov. 7, 1987, in Topeka.

Surviving are his wife, Terry, of the home; children: Robert J. & Gay Carlson Waterville, Robin R. Carlson of Houston, TX, Gregory J. Carlson, Christopher D. & Sydney Carlson, and Candace L. Marr all of Topeka; siblings: Virginia Jenkins, Carol Bigham, and Steve Carlson, all of Blue Rapids, Sandra Miller of Frankfort, and John Carlson of Lamar, MO; grandchildren: Trisha, Maloree, Jacob, Alex, Megan, Rylie, Luke, Adilynn, Ava, Ashlee, Jacob, Cheyenne; and great-granddaughter: Bella. He was preceded in death by his parents, and 2 brothers: Gary and Richard.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 AM, Sat., April 30, 2011, at Penwell-Gabel Parker-Price Chapel, 245 NW Independence Ave. Interment in Prairie Home Cemetery. Bob will lie in state after 3:00 PM, Fri., at the funeral chapel where the family will receive friends from 7:00 to 8:30 PM with a prayer service starting at 7:00 PM. Memorial contributions may be made to Faith Lutheran Church, 1716 SW Gage, Topeka, KS 66604 or Hope Lutheran Church, 2636 SE Minnesota, Topeka, KS 66605.