Small Town News

Services Held At Sturgis For Dean Carlson

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Graveside rites were held at 10 AM, on Tuesday, August 25, 2009, at the Black Hills National Cemetery for Dean Carlson, with Chaplain, Herb Cleveland, officiating; military honors by the Sturgis Honor Guard.

Dean Ronald Carlson, was born July 30, 1931, at Burke, SD, to Oscar & Gladys (Labahn) Carlson and died at the Rapid City Regional Hospital on August 18, 2009, at the age of 78.

His early years were spent on a farm near Lucas, SD; later in Burke, before the family moved to Rapid City.

Dean served in the Air Forc< from 1949 to 1953. Following hi years of military service, Dea built and supervised the construe tion of numerous buildings in the area including Baken Park Shopping Center; First Federal Savings and Loan; B-1B Support Facility all Ellsworth Air Force Base, and Douglas Middle School.

Survivors include his son, Donald Carlson (Shelly) of Rapid City his daughter, Denise Barrieau. (Mike) of Evansville, Indiana; his-only sister, Phyllis Mire, of Trabuco Canyon, CA; two grandchildren, Chase and Carly Carlson of Rapid City.

Preceding him in death were his wife, Dorothy, an infant son, parents, three brothers, Dale, Myron, and Dick.

Dean had been in ill health for several years. However, he was able to stay in his home, because his son lived two blocks away, and could look in on him daily. The telephone was an outreach for Dean and he called family members for long visits. He had a keen memory and loved to talk of times past.

Dean was instrumental in starting the Hermosa Roping Club. His passion was horses, and he owned 18 at one time.

Dean's cousin, Les, remembers playing with Dean and his siblings, when the family lived on the farm by Lucas, and in Burke. Dean was his boyhood hero, as he was doing a man's work at a young age; yet Dean had time for his younger cousins. Les thought he looked outstanding in his Air Force uniform.

Playmates, too, were his aunt, Mary Jane, and cousin, Myrna Lee....they were babies together, as their 1931 birthdates were July 30, Aug. 3rd, and Aug. 9th. They spent many happy hours growing up together. Dean always wanted to be just like the girls, and one time, he wore a dress, just so he could fit in. However, this "manly man" would never admit to the fact, when he grew older.

Dean was especially proud that his son, Don, chose to follow in his footsteps, as he, too, chose construction as his profession. Don says, "Dad taught me well."

Dean's motto was, "Anything worth doing is worth doing well." The buildings that he built still stand today, a testament of his quality workmanship. He faced illness with a persevering spirit, and is now at peace with his Savior, Jesus Christ, and his loved ones who have gone before.

This 'good ole boy' shall be missed by his family and friends.



Copyright 2009 The Burke Gazette, Burke, South Dakota. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from SmallTownPapers, Inc.

© 2009 The Burke Gazette Burke, South Dakota. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from DAS.

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