William John Karlson died on Thursday at the age of 82 years, 10 months, and 4 days. An only child to Edwin Karlson and Katherine Peterson-Karlson, Bill was preceded in death by his father in 1954 and his beloved mother Kay in 2007.
William was a native of Minnesota and a resident of Huntsville, AL since 1971. He was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, graduated from Park Rapids High School in north central Minnesota, attended Bemidji State Teachers College, and graduated from the University of Minnesota in March of 1960. He was employed by UNIVAC and Control Data Corporation in Minnesota as a computer programmer, and as a ballistic missile defense systems analyst by General Research Corporation in Huntsville. After ‘retirement’ he experienced the joys of family through genealogy, cooking and a self-described truly full and satisfying life. He held a deep appreciation of the blessings and people in his own life, while always giving more than he received. His conscientious, intelligent, and compassionate way was a blessing to all who knew him.
William is survived by Marie, his beloved wife for 59 years, and his loving daughter Karin Karlson-Slayton, her husband Tracy Slayton, and adoring son Keith.
Following cremation, William’s remains will be interred at Valhalla Memory Gardens. A visitation will be held from 2PM to 4PM Saturday, the 25th of August at Laughlin Service Funeral Home. (www.laughlinservice.com)
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Joseph’s Indian School (stjo.org) and the American Cancer Society.
