"Sorry to hear about Bill's passing. He was one of my favorite teachers. He also purchased a vehicle from me when our family was in the car business. I always enjoyed talking with him when he came in for service work. A wonderful man."
In loving memory of
William "Bill" Carlson
December 22, 1927 - June 14, 2020
William (Bill) Eldon Carlson passed away Sunday, June 14, 2020 at Vintage Hills Senior Living Center in Ankeny.
He was born December 22, 1927 on a farm near Marathon, Iowa to Eldon and Pearl Carlson. He graduated from Marathon High School in 1945 where he loved participating in all sports. In January of 1950, he married Winnie Lee Ball in Laurens, Iowa. They were married for 70 years. He graduated from Buena Vista, in education, in 1961 and taught middle school English for 28 years. He also coached ninth grade basketball. He received his Master's in Education from Drake University in 1971. He enjoyed his students and colleagues very much.
During retirement, he enjoyed traveling, fishing, bowling, delivering Meals on Wheels, and coffee with his friends. His most treasured time was with his family: wife, Winnie; daughters, Dawn (Tim) Marsh, Deean Clancy; and son, Michael (Mary) Carlson. His grandchildren are Anne, Ellen, Peter, Kelly, Michala, Will, Jackson and great-grandchildren Sloane, Martha, and Jack. Bill is also survived by his sister, Pearlann (John) Tabor and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers Wesley, Donald, and Rodney.
Bill was a true example of a life well lived and well loved.
Due to our concern for the coronavirus pandemic, a memorial service will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Ames Public Library at 515 Douglas Avenue, Ames, Iowa 50010.
Online condolences may be directed to: www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com
Tributes
"I was sad to hear of Bill's passing. In 1973, he was my basketball coach and teacher and a favorite of mine in both roles. I remember him as an excellent person with a great demeanor and a dry and witty sense of humor. His coaching style was always very positive and our entire team loved playing for him. He was definitely one of the good guys. Frank Brady, Leawood, KS"
"Going back 54 years ago with fond memories of Bill and Winnie Lee... We were moving to Ames, needing to rent a home and through the kindness and helpfulness of Bill and Winnie Lee were able to rent a house that they were renting. We spent our working years together in the Ames Schools and on the paint crew. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Fred and Bonnie Anderson, Sun City, AZ fredbonnie@msn.com "
"I just heard today that Bill passed away. He was a tremendous man. Just the highest integrity and humanity. I enjoyed it so much when he and Dale Geise and another friend would come to Iowa City to watch Prime Time and chat with me. His son Mike was one of my closest friends growing up. My condolences to Winnie and all the family. Please let us know if you have a funeral. Randy Larson "
"I just heard today that Bill passed away. He was a tremendous man. Just the highest integrity and humanity. I enjoyed it so much when he and Dale Geise and another friend would come to Iowa City to watch Prime Time and chat with me. His son Mike was one of my closest friends growing up. My condolences to Winnie and all the family. Please let us know if you have a funeral. Randy Larson "
"My Sympathies to Bill's family, Bill and I go back a long time as I played Basketball with his brother Don at Buena Vista. Bill and Winnie moved to Ames and bought their home through me. Gods will be with you. Ed Hendrickson"
"So sorry to hear of Bills passing. Peace & Love to all. Lana Finnestad "