C. Carlson

C. Albert Carlson Jr. age 84, passed away June 26, 2016, at Benifis Teton Medical Center in Choteau, MT, after a brief battle with cancer. A graveside service with military honors will be held Friday, July 8th at 2:00 pm at the Choteau Cemetery under the direction of Gorder-Jensen Funeral Home. A reception will follow at the Stage Stop Inn.

Albert was born September 6, 1931 to Clarence and Merinda (Johnson) Carlson in Choteau. He was raised on the family farm on the Farmington Bench. Albert attended and was the last remaining student from the Burton Grade School in the East Farmington area, then attended high school and graduated from Choteau High in 1949.

Albert served in the Army as a Master Sergeant in the 163rd Infantry Division from 1952 to 1953, followed by four years in the Army National Guard Reserves. He was stationed and fought in the Korean War. He received a Korean Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars, a United Nations Services Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, and a National Service Medal. After serving he returned home to farm and ranch on his family's land.

On October 9, 1954 he married Beverly Jean Castle at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Choteau. Together they raised their two children, son Dave and daughter Fern. To Albert the family homestead was always important. He lived and worked on the farm until retiring and moving into Choteau in recent years. In addition to farming, Albert served as County Commissioner for Teton County from 1987-1997.

During his life he belonged to the American Legion Post No. 6, was a member of the Moose Lodge, and a life time member of the Trinity Lutheran Church.

Over the years Albert and Bev enjoyed snowmobiling, boating, fishing, traveling in their RV and seeking out a good lutefisk dinner. They took several bus tours and a couple of cruises, with their favorites being an Alaskan Cruise and a trip to Hawaii. They also spent several winters in Yuma, AZ, and did some traveling in Mexico.

Albert enjoyed inventing things and making welded figures from horse shoes. He was an avid reader and loved learning about history. He enjoyed being with family and especially taking his grandchildren camping and fishing. In later years he enjoyed going on ice fishing trips with his son Dave and gopher hunting and fishing with his brother John. He also had a sweet tooth, always having a dish or stash of candy somewhere and taking numerous trips to the ice cream parlor. Albert could visit with anyone and made a fun time out of any event with his humorous stories or antics.

Albert is survived by his son Dave (Crystal) Carlson of Choteau, daughter Fern (Fred) Thompson of Laurel, and grandchildren Shawn Thompson of Helena, Casey Thompson of Laurel, Garth Carlson and MacKenzie Carlson of Choteau, his aunt Ellnore Larsen of Choteau, and several cousins, nieces and nephews.

Albert was preceded in death by his wife Bev, parents Clarence and Merinda Carlson, sister Lucille Weist and brother John Carlson.

A kind, gentle and loving man who was one with the land, he will be missed.

Memorials are suggested to the American Legion, Choteau Peace Hospice or Trinity Lutheran Church.

Condolences may be left online at www.gorderjensenfuneralhome.com.