Theodore "Dave" D. M. Carlson, 73 of Duluth, died Monday, June 18, 2012 at St. Luke's Hospital in Duluth.

Dave was born in Duluth on Aug. 16, 1938 the son of Georgia and Theodore O. Carlson, DDS.

He was a truck driver for Jeff Foster Trucking for 16 years in the tanker division and was proud to have the only "Viking Purple" Jeff Foster truck.

He was an avid boater who loved fishing and he was an avid Viking Fan. He was a member of the Moose Lodge #1302.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Betty "Bets" Carlson; grandchild, Ricky Carlson; and brother-in-law, Mervin Specht, M.D.

Dave is survived by his wife of 14 years, the former Lynn Cronin of Superior; children, Jim, Jerry, Rick, Beth and Kelly Carlson; grandchildren, Tracy Owens (Ed), Amy Reeves (Nathan), Jeremy Carlson (Anna), Jason Carlson, Michelle Carlson, Amanda Lynn Carlson, Kari Carlson, Davyanna Carlson, Amanda Carlson, Shannon Myhre (Jon), Kelly Sue Carlson; 21 great-grandchildren; sister, Susan Specht; brother, Stephen (Patti) Carlson; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 21, from 5-7 p.m. and will continue on Friday, June 22, from Noon until the 1 p.m. funeral service at Downs Funeral Home, corner of 19th St. and Ogden Ave. Fr. Ronald Olson of Holy Assumption Catholic Church will officiate. Military Honors will be accorded by the Richard I. Bong American Legion Post #435.

Honorary pallbearers will be James Browning, Jon Myhre, Dennis Cronin, Paul Giacomini, Greg Pedersen, and Dave Olson.