Carlson, Terrence "Terry" Terrence (Terry) James Carlson, age 78, passed peacefully with family at home in East Grand Rapids, Michigan, on August 2nd, 2021. Born October 21, 1942 in Rockford, Illinois to William and Kathryn Carlson, he was a midwestern guy with down-to-earth midwestern values, pursuing and enjoying his love for the outdoors, boating, friends and family. Terry is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Judy Carlson, brothers William Carlson (Nancy) and Matthew Carlson, daughters Kathryn Carlson (Al Brim) and Ann Croly. He is also survived by brothers-in-law Donald Nee and Robert Magnuson (Pat Bradshaw), four grandchildren: Chad VanderBand (Samantha), Jason VanderBand, Brooke Croly, and Brayden Croly, and two great-grandchildren: Camden VanderBand and Addilyn VanderBand & many nephews and nieces. Terry was preceded in death by his son Robert (Bob) Carlson in 1994 and sister Diane Nee in 2004. Before moving to East Grand Rapids in 1971, Terry served his country in the Navy (Roosevelt Roads Naval Station, Puerto Rico) and was honorably discharged just prior to meeting Judy at Kent State University in Kent, Ohio. It was a match to last a lifetime. The two began an enduring relationship of shared adventures and conversations, readily admitting that they could talk to each other about anything. Many know also of Terry's joy in telling and hearing stories. During this time Terry began his career in management and engineering, which would take the two of them to Coral Gables, Florida, Akron, Ohio, Worthington, Ohio, and finally East Grand Rapids. It was in East Grand Rapids, living near Reeds Lake and Lake Michigan, that Terry's love for boating blossomed. He was a participant in the Queens Cup sailing race, and skipper of a 32' wooden Danish sloop, the Reverie. To ready this special craft for summer sails, Terry would annually sand the mahogany deck down to bare wood and restain it. Many thought this extra work was unnecessary, but it said much about the man. He did it his way, all the way, which showed in the quality of the work he did for himself and others. He took pride in whatever he did, no matter the task, and gave it his best. Terry's passion for classic cars came to life when he became an owner of a 1931 Model A Ford. Judy and Terry had much fun driving "Old Blue" in holiday parades and taking road trips with fellow members of the Grand A's Model A Restorers Club. Family and friends are invited to attend a 1:00 pm visitation and 2:00 pm Celebration of Life for Terry on Saturday, August 14, at Trinity Lutheran Church, located at 2700 E. Fulton Street, Grand Rapids, Michigan. To express condolences, visit: https:www.tributearchive.com/obituaries/21912308/terry-carlson/wall We kindly ask that you wear masks.

obit notices: https://www.tributearchive.com/obituaries/21912308/terry-carlson

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