Walter L. Carlson, 87, Plymouth, passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2016, in the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Mishawaka.

Walter was born on Aug. 29, 1928, at Plymouth the son of Henry and Edith (Johnson) Carlson. Walter graduated with the Grovetown High School class of 1947. Growing up, Walter helped on the family farm. He went to work for the B and O Railroad in Walkerton, and for Nelson Electric and Plumbing.

In 1950 Walter went to work for the Swanson Poultry Farm, that later became Swan Lake Golf Academy and Resort, where he retired after 48 years of service. On Oct. 21, 1951, Walter and Oral Carlson were married at the Donaldson United Brethren Church and were married for 45 years when she preceded him in passing. On Aug. 31, 1997, Walter and Mickey Williams took their marriage commitment vows. Walter was a lifetime and active member of the Evangelical Covenant Church in Donaldson, a member of the Plymouth Kiwanis, Masonic Lodge 149-F and AM, the Plymouth Chapter of Eastern Star 26, and the Valley of the Scottish Rite of South Bend.

Walter is survived by his wife: Mickey; his daughter: Norma (Jan) Carlson-Weiss, Tucson. Walter is preceded in passing by his wife: Orla Carlson, 1996; his daughter: Debra Carlson, 1966; and his brother: LaVerne Carlson, in 2013.

The Van Gilder funeral home is honored to be caring for the Walter L. Carlson family. A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 19, in the Evangelical Covenant Church, with Pastor Mark Harder officiating. Burial will follow in the Swedish Cemetery, Donaldson. A time of visiting with the Carlson family will be held from 4-7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 18, in the Van Gilder Funeral Home with Masonic services at 7:00 p.m.

The Carlson family requests memorial contributions are made in honor of Walter to the Evangelical Covenant Church or the Swedish Cemetery in care of, the Marshall County Community Foundation.