Robert "Swede" Allan Carlson Obit

ROBERT "SWEDE" ALLAN CARLSON, 76, of Deerwood died on Jan. 20, 2020, at his home.
He was born on July 24, 1943 to parents Ragnor "Swede" and Mary (Seech) Carlson. He was raised in the Crosby area. He attended and graduated from Crosby-Ironton High School in 1961. He then joined the U.S. Navy on June 12, 1961 and served through July 17, 1964. He received his training at the U.S. Naval Training Center in Great Lakes, IL. He was an MMIII (E-4), maintaining ships' mechanical systems, engines and boilers.
He had a variety of jobs throughout his life, but his love was for music, which started when he was young. He could play almost any instrument, but he could not read the music notes, so he learned to play by ear. He played in a number of bands through the years. Many of us remember him playing keyboard in the Iron Mountain Band and dancing the night away. He was a bartender at the Spaulding House for many years. He was everyone's friend and he had a big heart and a big smile. He loved his pig collection, t-shirt collection, fishing, boating, camping, his Minnesota Vikings and he loved to party.
Preceding him in death are his parents. He is survived by his cousins and lots of his very close friends.
Arrangements were with the Koop Funeral Home in Crosby. He is buried at the Lakewood Cemetery in Crosby.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Sept. 16 at 10 a.m. at the Lakewood Cemetery in Crosby with military honors by The Deerwood American Legion Post #557 Color Guard and chaplain. 
We appreciate everyone who helped to make laying our dear friend to rest possible and for all of us to have closure.This has been funded by the generous donations given over the summer at various locations.The amount raised not only funded this event but also raised an additional $1,000 which will be donated to The Homeless and Wounded Warrior-MN.