Rudolf Alphonse Carlson, 97, of Panama City, FL passed away on Tuesday, March 13, 2018. He was born on August 2, 1920 in Auburn, Massachusetts to Charles and Hilda Carlson. Rudy served at the beginning of World War II in the Atlantic with the Merchant Marines. He then served in the Pacific with the United States Navy on LSD No.1 USS Ashland. Lieutenant Carlson survived 2 typhoons and 6 major battles in the pacific including Iwo Jima. After the war he met his bride to be in Lynn Haven, FL. They raised a family of three daughters in Panama City. Rudy retired as a machinist for Arizona Chemical in 1982, after which he enjoyed traveling, visiting with family, and working in his shop. Rudy proudly shared his Scandinavian heritage and strong Christian faith with those he loved.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Carol Ann Cartier; his brothers, Eddie Carlson, Albert Carlson; and one sister, Gertrude MacNiven.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 71 years, Mary Louise Pitts Carlson; two sisters-in-law, Ethel Carlson, Nancy Carlson; two daughters, Rosemary Grill (Larry), Linda Newton (Gerald); six grandchildren, Cheryl Hays (Eric), Rob Wilson (Lauren), Chad Wooten (Heather), Carmen Preston (Ben), Jeremi Cartier (Ashley), Carrie Cartier; ten great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, March 19, 2018 at 10 am in the Wilson Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Michael Bryan officiating. Interment will follow the service at Evergreen Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 5-7 pm Sunday night.