Dudley "Chief" Carlson, born May 25, 1944, in Duluth, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on April 14, 2025, surrounded by his loving family after a long and courageous battle with dementia. He was 80 years old.

Dudley lived his entire life in Duluth, a place he cherished and called home. He graduated from Duluth Denfeld High School in 1962 and then attended Duluth Business University and worked at Reserve Mining in Silver Bay from 1963 – 1965. Dudley then joined basic training with the 148th Fighter Wing in 1965, where he later retired in 2003 as Chief Master Sergeant after a dedicated career, where he proudly served his country and formed lifelong bonds with colleagues who became like family. A proud lifetime member of the West Duluth American Legion Post 71, Dudley dedicated countless hours to the organization after his retirement, continuing his commitment to service and community.

A devoted family man, Dudley was a constant source of strength and encouragement to those who loved him. As our biggest cheerleader, he always put his family first. A hard worker to his core, Dudley rarely rested his hands. Whether volunteering for maintenance projects at the American Legion, building a bridge, playhouse, or birdhouse with his grandsons, assisting his children with home renovations, or offering his skills to help friends and neighbors, he always gave of himself selflessly.

Even in the later stages of Alzheimer's, Dudley's sense of humor and caring personality never wavered. He continued to bring laughter and love to his family, and his creative spirit shone through in the vibrant pages he colored, with simple crayons, another testament of his gifted hands.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Chester and Lucille Carlson, and his sister, Barbara Pechacek.

Dudley is survived by his wife and best friend of 58 years, Pamela; his children Wendy (Randy) Hurst, Alan Carlson, and Lorie (Matt) Hughes; and his beloved grandchildren Andrew Carlson, Elyse Hurst, Kristina and Cayden Carlson, and Luke Hughes.

We want to extend a special Thank you to the staff at Legacy Medical Hospice, Edgewood Vista and one of Dudley's closest friends, Tom Sinnott, for their extra care and dedication.

Visitation will be held Friday, April 25, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. until the 11:00 a.m.  celebration of Dudley's life at 11:00 a.m. at Downs Life Celebration Center, 1902 N 34th St., Superior WI.  A meal to follow at the West Duluth American Legion. Military honors will be provided by the Duluth Combined Honor Guard.

Dudley "Chief" Carlson will be remembered as a man of integrity, love, and unwavering devotion—a legacy that will continue to inspire all who knew him.