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Joseph P Carlson
March 23, 1930 - April 8, 2017
Burial Date April 20, 2017
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Joseph Patrick Carlson “Joe” passed away peacefully in Des Moines, Washington on April 8th, 2017 at the age of 87. Joe was born March 23rd, 1930 in Seattle, Washington to Marie Carlson, daughter of Catherine and Joseph Patrick Donovan. Joe was an only child who was loved and doted on by his Uncle Reverend Father Joe Donovan, and Aunt’s Patricia and Julia. In High School Joe was 4A Class President at Seattle Prep, all around athlete, and well liked guy. Joe spent years exploring a calling towards Priesthood and Jesuit Studies, where he earned his Doctorate in Theology.
While working as a Teacher in Aberdeen Washington, Joe met and married the love of his life Helen Marie Carlson, they had two children and raised their family in Seattle, Washington. Joe accepted a position working in the Alaskan Fisheries Business (where he worked on an off since his late teens seasonally on the Bristol Bay in Ekuk, Alaska) as purchasing agent for Wards Cove Packing where he worked for over 25 years. In addition to supporting the Canneries with necessary supplies and equipment he also assisted the Fishermen and their families throughout the year, and earned the deep love and respect of the Yup’ik Eskimo people who he loved so much.
He was the guardian of the Roman Catholic Church there and assisted the Priests who came to the Village. Late in life Joe met his biological Father Floyd Carlson and went on to develop a deep and loving relationship with his brother Scott Carlson (and his wife Mary) and sister Ann Patterson.
Joe and Helen retired to Olympia, Washington where Joe became a member of St. Michael’s parish and volunteered there as well as was the Manager of Timberland Estates Mobile Home Park, where he spent years gardening, fishing, and enjoying Helen’s cooking.
Joe loved roses and grew beautiful vegetable gardens, enjoyed music, reading, attending Mass, his dogs, and keno, and had many friends. Joe cared for everybody he knew with a kind and open heart. A loving and devoted Father and Grandfather, he will be deeply missed.
Joe is survived by daughter Katherine Ann Huff (husband Adam Huff), son Michael Joseph Carlson, grandchildren Leticia, Devin, Rosalynn, Jeremy, Russell, Ryan, and Great Grandson Levi.
A memorial mass will be held at St. Micheal’s Parish on April 20, 2017 at 12:00 p.m. St. Michael’s Parish is located at 1208 11th Ave. SE, Olympia, WA 98501.