Obituary: Russell Carlson, 85, Ludington.

Russell Carlson

Obituary: Russell Carlson, 85, Ludington.

Russell Edward Carlson, 85, of Ludington passed away Tuesday, May 7, 2019. He was born April 23, 1934 in Ludington to Edward and Margaret (Garwood) Carlson. Russ graduated from Ludington High School in 1952. He married the late Betty L. Greiner on August 27, 1955 at the Emanuel Lutheran Church in Ludington.

He worked for the C&O Railroad for almost 20 years and was the owner of Stix Bar and Park Lanes for over 50 years. He also owned Cussin Russ Used Cars and he was the former owner of the Beachcomber and Avenue motels as well as a go-cart track and ice cream shop. Russ also owned and operated several charter fishing boats, worked on a Great Lakes freighter, drove semi-truck, and was a scuba diver. He enjoyed playing cards and stock car racing.

No dream was too out of reach for Russ. Anything was possible. He was no stranger to hard work and he was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. A loving family man, Russ always made his family the most important thing in his life. He loved practical jokes and he was a big kid at heart.

Russ will be greatly missed by his children, Russell L. Carlson, David (Sandra) Carlson, Laura (Sayre) Mender, and Julie Carlson; his grandchildren, Adam (Shandon) Carlson, Eric (Erica) Carlson, Angela Carlson, Tyler Mender, Austin Mender, and Callan Mender; his great-grandchildren, Jazlyn Warren, Jaylee Warren, DeLahna Porter, Latrell Williams, Luke Carlson, Kennedy Carlson, Noah Carlson, Henry Carlson, and Clara Carlson; and one great-great-grandson, Jakobe Wilson.

Besides his parents, Russ was preceded in death by his wife, Betty and his sister, Shirley Verdejo.

According to his wishes, cremation has taken place and a celebration of life is being planned for a later date.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Oak Grove Funeral Home of Ludington, www.oakgroveludington.com.