Bryan Ellis Carlson, age 62, passed into the arms of Jesus suddenly in the afternoon of Friday, January 22, 2021 at the Carlson Family home in Michigamme with his wife, brother and dedicated emergency staff at his side.

Bryan was born February 25, 1958- the youngest son of Bruce and Esther Carlson- and lived his whole life in Michigamme.  He attended Michigamme Public Schools, Champion Public Schools and graduated from Westwood High School in the Class of 1976.  For most of his life, he also attended Our Redeemer Lutheran Church.  During his high school years, he enjoyed many friendships, played the trumpet in the band and sang in a church sponsored Gospel group, The Son-Life Singers.

From early childhood, it was obvious that Bryan's heart and soul was seated in the outdoors.  His love of wildlife and woods began early in life and developed into a true and honest respect for nature.  At his Father's side, he learned the art of fishing and hunting and was launched into what would become his greatest passion besides his wife and extended family—the embodiment/essence of a frontiersman, a pioneer.

Bryan went on to successfully complete a program in Forestry and earned a degree in Forestry Technology from Michigan Technological University.  He began his professional career as a forester in May of 1978.   He worked for multiple employers:  Conners, Benson Forests, Shelter Bay Forests, U.P. Timber, Compass Land Group and Ottawa Forest Products.  During his time with Shelter Bay, he also became a licensed professional forester. During his work experience and the relationships he developed, Bryan was quickly recognized as a faithful, trustworthy and dedicated colleague and valued friend.  He was highly respected and admired his entire career. These characteristics were accompanied and tempered by a natural wit and sense of humor clearly developed as an extension of the fun-loving nature shown by his mother whom he adored.

Bryan developed many interests- among them being his love for building and woodworking.   In particular he will be remembered for the many deer horn mounts he crafted and his siblings will hold dear the Swedish fan birds he lovingly carved for them.   He built, mended and repaired all kinds of things for his needs and pleasure.

He enjoyed hunting and fishing and trapping, combing the woods and streams around his native Michigamme and neighboring Baraga County first with his best friend-his Dad and then the last 29 years with the love of his life –Chrysan.  Together Bryan and Chrysan continued and deepened their relationship and experiences in many ways but certainly with many treks in the woods—sometimes shouldering rifles or shotguns or fishing poles but just as often walking quietly through the woods with their dogs Peaches and Feather, enjoying the wonder and majesty that God had caused to be in His Creation of our woods and fields and rivers.

Unfortunately, Bryan developed a condition called Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis.  This condition rapidly progressed and last summer-June 2020- he underwent a double lung transplant in Ann Arbor.  He recovered well and had hoped for more time here with his wife and family however that was not to be.

Bryan's life included a growing awareness of God in his life and faith in the confidence that Jesus had redeemed and restored him.  Because of this we do not grieve without hope at his passing but rather look to that time in the future where we will be reunited with Bryan and all the Company of Heaven, praising God in the fullness of His Glory.

Bryan is survived by his wife and partner of 29 years Chrysan, sister Marcia (Patrick) Hallfrisch and their sons Stephen and Andrew (Beverly), sister Julie (Gary) Walimaa and their 2 daughters Abby and April and brother Wayne (Jean) Carlson and family –Laura (Michael) Elliott and children, Caleb, Daniel, Luke, Aaron and Jennie.

Bryan was preceded in death by his parents Bruce and Esther Carlson and his wife's parents Don and Aloys Tober

There will be no service at this time however a celebration of Bryan's life will occur at a later time.

Bryan's obituary may be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.