Keith C. Carlson

Celebration of Life Services for Keith C. Carlson will be held on Tuesday, September 2, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at the Bauer-Torrey & Mach Funeral Home in Wilcox, Nebraska with Keith's family officiating. Interment will be held at the Wilcox Cemetery following the services with Military Honors provided by the Wilcox American Legion Post #377 in conjunction with the United States Army Military Honors Team.

Keith Clarence Carlson, 80 years of age, of Wilcox, passed away on Friday, August 29, 2014 at the Bryan LGH West Hospital in Lincoln, Nebraska. Keith was born July 19, 1934 at Solomon, Kansas, the son of Donald and Naomi (DeBruler) Carlson. Keith began his education at Scottsbluff, Nebraska, and was raised in the Presbyterian faith. He then completed his education at Holdrege. Following his education, he was inducted into the United States Army on March 13, 1951, and served his country as an Army Paratrooper in the 508 Airborne R.C.T. On March 17, 1954, Keith was honorably discharged from the service and returned home. Following his service, Keith farmed for a few years and also worked in construction before beginning a long career with the United States Postal Service in Holdrege, where he served as a Postal Carrier and Clerk from 1964 until his retirement in August of 1992.

On September 1, 1957 he was united in marriage to Sherry Ostgren and to this union three children were born: Rip, JoDee and Julie. The family made their home in Holdrege. On February 12, 1972, he was united in marriage to Rebecka J. Poague at the Wilcox Community Church. They made their home in Wilcox. They were blessed with 42 years of marriage, enjoyed their home together and were truly best friends.

Keith enjoyed gardening, weight lifting and was an avid Husker football fan. He was a talented carpenter and built several homes in Holdrege through the years. Most of all, Keith loved spending time with his family, especially the special moments with his granddaughter and visiting with his many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Rip Carlson; brother, Kim Callahan and one aunt, Nadene Hofrieter who was like a second mother to him; and brothers-in-law: Dave Telles and Tom Tonack.

Keith leaves to mourn his passing; his wife of 42 years, Rebecka of Wilcox; daughters: JoDee West of Colorado Springs, Colorado and Julie Chapin and her husband, Dean of Shell Knob, Missouri; granddaughter, Jianna West of Colorado Springs; five sisters: Donna Kivlighn and her husband, Merle and De Tonack all of Lincoln, Nebraska, Kay Terwilliger and her husband, David of Show Low, Arizona, Nanda Miller and her husband, Mitch of Marble Hill, Missouri and Holly Telles of Temecula, California; special cousin, Donna Bamrick of Greeley, Colorado; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be held on Monday, September 1, 2014 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Bauer-Torrey & Mach Funeral Home in Wilcox. To honor Keith's wish, the casket will be closed.

A memorial has been established in Keith's honor and kindly suggested to the Wilcox Fire and Rescue Department.

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

The Bauer-Torrey & Mach Funeral Home in Wilcox is in charge of the arrangements.