Dale E. Carlson, 71, of Superior, then Wascott, and since 2007 of Hayward, died Saturday April 25, 2020 at St. Luke's Hospital, Duluth, after a long battle with diabetes and its complications.

He was born January 4, 1949 in Superior, son of Earl and Jean (Johnson) Carlson.

Dale was a 1967 graduate of Superior Senior High School.

From 1967 to 1973 he served in the Army National Guard Engineers Battalion-Superior.

On May 1, 1971 in Superior, Dale Carlson and Karen Verdoljak were united in marriage. They would have celebrated 49 years this week.

His work history started as a lineman with the Wisconsin Telephone Company, and then Benson Electric. He purchased and operated Haglun Marine in 1976 until 1994. Dale was also an electrical inspector and a member of the International Electrical Inspectors. He owned and operated Carlson Electric after serving his apprenticeship until his retirement in 2007.

Dale enjoyed flying and would pilot sea planes to Canada for fishing trips. Another interest of his was hunting, however, his greatest love was spending time with his family.

Preceding him in death was his father, Earl P. Carlson in 2013.

Survivors include his wife, Karen; sons, David (Paula) Carlson, Joel (Jenny) Carlson, and Jon Carlson, all of Hayward; grandchildren, Aurora, Julia and Kaleb; mother, Jean Carlson, Superior; sister, Cheryl (Dick) Balcer, Superior; and many nieces, nephews and close friends.

A visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 24, 2020 at the Downs Funeral Home, 1617 N. 19 ^th Street, Superior.

A celebration of life will be held later this summer in Hayward.