Ishpeming, MI - Raymond Peter Carlson, age 82, of 24898 County Road CL, Ishpeming, passed away on Monday, August 19, 2024, at his home and in the loving care of his family and U.P. Home Health and Hospice.

Pete was born in Barberton, Ohio on July 13, 1942, a son of the late Elaine (Maki) and John "Cowboy" Carlson. He moved back to this area as an infant and had resided here since. Pete was a graduate of the Ishpeming High School, Class of 1960. He was a proud Union Ironworker for Local #783 and later Local #8, with his career spanning over 60 years.  Pete also owned and operated  R. Pete Carlson Excavating.

Pete was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church. He spent countless hours volunteering, always willing to help people in need. He was a member of Greenwood American Legion, Post #114.  Pete was an avid fan of the Detroit Lions and Tigers along with being Westwood High School's Wrestling Superfan. Pete loved deer hunting with his boys along with ski-jumping in his younger years and had many stories of those activities. Pete truly loved his large family and his door was always open.

Survivors include his wife Catherine (Valela) Carlson, whom he celebrated 60 years of marriage with on August 1; 7 children - John (Jacki) Carlson, Elaine Lancour, Ray (Wendy) Carlson, Frank (Kelly) Carlson, Dan (Kathleen) Carlson, Steve (Nancy) Carlson, Ann (Dane) Christesen all of the Ishpeming area; grandchildren - Emily Carlson (Chris Hickey), David Lancour, Shaylee (Ray) Anderson, Vincente (Bethany) Carlson, Wyatt Carlson, Justin Hatch, Zach Carlson, Kelli (Tony) Blade, Derek Carlson, Peter Carlson, Lonnie (Morgan) Hess, Anthony (Fred Macatula) Carlson, Rocco (Elizabeth Williams) Carlson, Seth (Joseph) McClees, Cheryl Carlson, Mary Carlson, Caleb and Nicholas Christesen; great grandchildren - Sebastian Carlson, Rose Blade, Emmett and Isaiah Hess, Arthur and Juliet Anderson; a brother Ross (Barbara) Carlson of Ishpeming, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents John "Cowboy" and Elaine Carlson, his in-laws Frank and Mary Valela, brother John "Yogi" Carlson and his wife Sandi, brother Norman Carlson, sister Ann LaCosse, along with several sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews.

The family will greet relatives and friends from 1:00pm – 3:00pm on Saturday, August 24, 2024, at the Trinity Lutheran Church, 414 E. Ridge St., Ishpeming.  Funeral Services will follow at 3:00pm on Saturday with Bishop Emeritus Thomas Skrenes and Fr. Larry Van Damme officiating. Pallbearers will be David Lancour, Shaylee Anderson, Emily, Zach, Anthony, Cheryl and Mary Carlson. The service will be livestreamed at www.facebook.com/trinityishpeming/

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Trinity Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, 414 E. Ridge St., Ishpeming, MI 49849 in memory of Pete.

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