Neil Carlson

He was born October 31, 1936, in Negaunee, a son of the late Carl and Violet (Johnson) Carlson. He was a 1954 graduate of Negaunee High School, earned a Bachelor’s degree from NMU and did post graduate studies at Oklahoma State University.

Neil was employed as a professor of economics at NMU for many years and served as a union negotiator at the university.

On December 23, 1961 he married Marjorie Petersen and the couple were married for 55 years until her passing in 2017.

Neil was an accomplished baseball player as a youth. As an adult, he played softball – fast pitch, then slow pitch. He was also a great Little League coach and an avid Chicago Cubs and Bears fan.

He is survived by two sons, Neil Carlson of Racine, WI and David Carlson of Fridley, MN; brothers, Bob (Carol) Carlson, Roger Carlson and Jimmy “Boney” (Diane) Carlson; and numerous nieces, nephews & cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; brothers, Ken, Dick & Philip; infant son, Mark; and daughter-in-law, Elizabeth La Panta.

Visitation will be held on Friday, February 7, 2025 from 1-2 pm at Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services. A memorial service will be held at 2 pm in the funeral home with a luncheon to follow. Interment will take place in Park Cemetery in the summer.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to UPAWS.

Memories of Neil may be shared at fassbenderswansonhansen.com.