Donald "Jack" Carlson

Donald L. "Jack" Carlson, 67 years of age, of Orange Park, Florida, passed away on Thursday, September 20, 2012 at the Orange Park Memorial Hospital following a pulmonary illness. Jack was born on December 13, 1944 at Holdrege, Nebraska, the youngest of 14 children born to Harry W. and Faris L. (Swisher) Carlson. He attended school in Holdrege, graduating from Holdrege High School with the class of 1963.

Following his education, Jack was inducted into the U.S. Navy, where he served four years aboard the U.S.S. Essex. Jack was the seventh son to serve in the U.S. military. After his military service, Jack was employed by the U.S. Postal Service in Jacksonville, Florida. After 24 years of service, Jack retired from the U.S. Postal Service on December 31, 2006 and received the Special Achievement Award.

Jack will be remembered as a very kind, giving, and gentle man. Christians often talk the talk, but Jack walked the walk. Jack's desire was not for material wealth, but instead looking out for those who were in need. He would buy new coats to give to the homeless and was always helping the less fortunate. Jack did not want to be recognized for his good deeds, merely doing them quietly. He never had any children of his own, but doted on his nieces and nephews whom he loved. Jack enjoyed fishing, hunting, and riding his motorcycle.

Besides his parents, Jack was preceded in death by 7 brothers: H. Winston Carlson, Paul Carlson, Stanley Carlson, Basil (Bud) Carlson, Louis Lemonte Carlson, Neal Carlson and Randy Carlson; 5 sisters: Fern Swanson, Evelyn Bjorklund, Deloris Aman, DeVona Carlson and Maxine "Micki" Anderson; one niece, Janice Swanson; and one nephew, Lonnie M. Herndon.

Survivors include one sister, Bonnie (Carlson) Herndon and her husband, Fred of Orange Park; two sisters-in-law: Eleanor Rogers of Holbrook, Nebraska, Marcile Riber of Colorado Springs, Colorado; one brother-in-law, Dale Anderson of Holdrege; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

There will be no visitation, the family is honoring his wish to be cremated and laid to rest with the love of his life, Leslie Leah Lane at the Prairie Home Cemetery in Holdrege. Graveside services will be announced at a later date.

A memorial has been established and kindly suggested to the family.

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com

The Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege is in charge of the arrangements.