Keith Merrill Carlson
Keith Merrill Carlson died peacefully in his sleep on January 22, 2019. He was a big hearted family man with a life long passion for baseball. He loved telling and hearing stories of those he loved, and had a witty sense of humor.
He is preceded in death by: father, Clarence Carlson and mother, Edna Carlson (nee Rosenquist), brothers Loren, Paul and Dennis Carlson, and wife Kathleen Carlson.
He is survived by : his sister Clarice Orr of Lincoln, NE, daughters Kelley (Steve) Baruzzini of St. Peters, MO, Jennifer (David) Rickard of Dardenne Prairie, MO, Laura (Kevin) Guenther of Greensboro, NC and son Aaron (Arijana) Hoormann of St. Louis, MO; Grandchildren Stacy Helm (Stephen Salas) of St. Louis, MO, Ryan (Lisa) Helm of Wentzville, MO, Shannon (Tobias) Gardner of St. Peters, MO, Matt (Alex Bursak) Rickard of Philadelphia, PA, Allie Rickard of Phoenix, AZ, and Nate Rickard of New York, NY, Olivia Guenther of Greensboro, NC, Bradley Guenther of Greensboro, NC, Andrew Guenther of Greensboro, NC, Mia Hoormann of St. Louis, MO and Khan Hoormann of St. Louis, MO; Great-Grandchildren Zachary and Blake Matthews and Mila Helm, Edward and Larson Salas, Titus and Simon Gardner.
Keith Carlson was an amazing Dad to 3 daughters, a proud Grandpa, and beaming great Grandpa. He started life in rural Mitchell, South Dakota, among farm lands with his 2 brothers and sister. Baseball caught his attention early on, and it became a passion, life long. Keith was in the Army Reserves from 1957 to 1958. He attended college at Gustavus Adolphus, for his undergraduate degree, then went on to recieve his masters in Economics at the University of Nebraska. Following his masters he taught at St. Olaf college in Minnesota. In 1963 he moved his growing family to St. Louis where he was an economist for the Federal Reserve Bank the rest of his career. He was a well loved boss among the bank employees and kept in touch with many after retirement. Keith was a caring man. He loved spending time with his family and his grandchildren, attending games and events. In his later years he took joy in the simple pleasures of life, keeping in touch with his loved ones, staying active, contributing to charities and started a foundation. He was a happy and positive man, and will be truly missed by so many who loved him. He leaves an endearing legacy of love, wit and charm for us all.
Services:
The funeral service will be Monday, January 28th, at 10:00 am.
Ladue Chapel Presbyterian Church
9450 Clayton Rd,
St. Louis, Missouri, 63124.
In lieu of flowers please send donations to Kathleen Carlson Memorial Scholarship for Instrumental Music at Lindenwood University.
There’s little I can add to Keith’s life story. He was a sweet gentle man. We had many long phone conversations in recent years. He read the Mitchell Daily Republic on line and always kept me up to date with who was in the obituaries…many times they were old buddies of his. Keith reminded me of our own father–quietly noticing and loving the little ones. My memories will help fill the huge hole in my heart.
Keith was a super hero to me…in so many ways the way he loved his family! I loved enjoying his company during many family functions. His smile was infectious and his love of his family was obvious always! I will miss him dearly. My prayers and condolences to all his family!
Bill & I send prayers for peace & comfort. We were fortunate to meet Keith during the Caelson reunions. Mom, Maxine Nickel always spoke highly of him. Sending our love.
Joyce has memories that go back to thrashing days! Keith will be missed. Prayers for all the family.
To the family of Mr. Carlson, my heartfelt condolences. I want to take a lesson from him and lead a caring life. May it comfort you to some degree to know that others care. Be strengthened by the words of Acts 24:15. There will be a resurrection!
Memeber of the Community
This is the man who put my feet on the ground, pointed me in the right direction and escorted me for a good ways down the road. That is who he was. Honest, dependable, helpful, committed and always with a quiet, friendly manner. Thank you, Keith. You are one of the best.
The stories he would tell, the light in his eyes, that laugh, the kindness in his heart (and let’s not forget the economist bounce!)- these are the qualities for a life well lived and memories I shall keep in my heart. I worked and played with Keith during our many years at the Fed and I can say working with him was more like playing as he made everything so much more enjoyable. I miss you my friend.
bro in law keith was a great father to 3 girls and raised with high morals easy going best friend to all he knew He called after a storm ravaged my home , was considerate to all liked playing horse shoes athletics keeping involved with presistent good attitude well done.
To all who knew Keith, he has left a great ladting impression. He was a wonderful uncle also. He had a great calm demeanor that I found very comforting. I know he will be very missed by friends and family. My heart is with you even though not there for the service today. My your heart be full of good times you spent together and the memories of those will be with you always.
So sorry for your loss. Cherish your memories, there must be thousands. We will all miss him at the Carlson reunions.