Obituary of Dennis Wayne Carlson

Dennis Wayne Carlson of Olympia, Washington, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather passed away at home on Saturday, July 22, 2023, surrounded by his family. He was 85 years old.

 

Dennis was born on June 6, 1938 in Seattle, Washington to Delia (Hurley) and Fred Carlson. He grew up in Seattle with his brothers Bob Carlson, Bill Carlson and his sister Dorothy Carlson (Meyer). Dennis was a tall, strong man who was known for his kindness and humor, especially among family and friends. He valued honesty, hard work, humility, education and showing love through actions. His life and achievements, as well as the family he leaves behind, embody those qualities.

 

Dennis attended St. Martin’s College, meeting the love of his life, Lucille Siler of Tacoma, in his senior year. He graduated in 1960 and they married later that year.

 

Dennis and Lucille had four children together: Debra Chamberlin (Jim), Diane Carlson (Daryl Wendle), Donna Monda (Greg Monda), and Doug Carlson (Michelle Miller). Their early years were spent at Kamilche on the family’s oyster farm before he began a career in employment and personnel at Boeing. They moved to Olympia in 1966. He held personnel and management positions at the Department of Institutions, Higher Education Personnel Board, Department of Personnel, and Wildlife Department.

 

Dennis played football for Highline High School. He took up running in the mid 60s and continued to run most of his life. He learned to ski as an adult and spent many weekends driving the family to Snoqualmie Pass for night skiing. Later in life, he hiked and played golf and took up road biking. He passed on his love and dedication to physical fitness to his children and grandchildren.

 

Dennis always showed a deep awareness and care for others. He loved and enjoyed the people around him and made so many friends because of that. He was not afraid to try anything. Dennis leaves a legacy of creating a loving, fun and supportive family that includes his wife Lucille, eight grandchildren (Jason, Michael and Cameron Monda, Jacob Carlson, Graham and Claire Wendle, and Haley and Hannah Chamberlin) and three great-grandchildren.

 

A Celebration of Life will follow in the future.

 

Memorial donations can made to The Alzheimers Assocation. 

 

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