Kenneth O. Carlson, 93, of Superior, died Friday, October 5, 2012 at Villa-Marina Health and Rehabilitation Center, Superior.

He was born June 3, 1919 in Superior, son of Oscar and Anna (Beckstrom) Carlson, and was always very proud of his Swedish heritage. One of Ken's favorite sayings was, "You can always tell a Swede, but you can't tell him much".

Ken was a 1937 graduate of Superior Central High School and was actively involved in many of their class reunions.

He proudly served his country with the U.S. Navy during WWII.

His work history started with the Civilian Conservation Corps, Great Northern Railroad and Superior, Water, Light and Power. He retired as a steam plant engineer from SWL & P in 1981 after 40 years of service.

Ken was a member of B.P.O.E. # 403, I.B.E.W. for more than 70 years, and the Brule River Sportsmen's Club.

Some of his many interests included hunting, fishing, golfing, bowling and wintering in Arizona. He not only enjoyed fishing, but also teaching others how to fish, especially fishing the Brule River. He was inducted into the Superior Bowling Hall of Fame in 2001. His golfing included 2 holes-in-one on the same hole and same date exactly 50 years apart!

Preceding him in death were his parents; second wife, Maryhelen in 2006; grandchildren, Harvie and Sheryl; and sisters, Frances and Margaret.

Survivors include his children, Tom (JoAnn) Carlson, South Range,Wisconsin, Rick (Ulla) Carlson, Ishpeming, Michigan, Kathy (David) Hanson, Trego, Wisconsin, and Brad (Cathy) Carlson, Oulu, Wisconsin; step-children, Sallie (Jim) Gotelaere, Superior, Terri (Doug Roberts) McGrath, Superior, and Kevin (Janet) McGrath, Superior; grandchildren, Craig Carlson, Danette (Dale) Harju, Tracy (Gary) Ordiway, Karl (Marilyn) Carlson, Kimberly (Todd) Osterhues, Scott (Erica) Hanson, Michelle (Brad) Zeller, John (Kristina) Carlson and Jennifer (Jed) Carlson; step-grandchildren, Jay (Lisa) Gotelaere, Joel (Sarah) Gotelaere, Kelly (Mike) Swanson, Brian (Megan) VanPoucke, Craig McGrath, Mitchell McGrath and Sarah McGrath; 27 great-grandchildren; 14 great-great-grandchildren; and former wife, Elayne Schnell.

Visitation will be from 9:30 to the 10:30 a.m. service, Wednesday, October 10, 2012 at Downs Funeral Home, 1617 N. 19th Street, Superior, with Chaplain Ronald Henely officiating.

Pallbearers will be Karl Carlson, Scott Hanson, John Carlson, Jay Gotelaere, Cole Osterhues and Craig McGrath.

Burial will be in Graceland Cemetery, Superior, with military rites accorded by the Richard I. Bong American Legion Post # 435.