Thirty years ago on April 7, 1994, we lost a volunteer firefighter whom was very special to us.

Our dad, Ron Carlson was born March 3, 1939, in Oshkosh, Ne to Darrell K (Swede) Carlson and Katheen (Delatour) Carlson. He was raised on a ranch near Blue Creek where he spent his entire life.

He attended elementary school at District 50 and graduated from Lewellen Rural High School in 1956. Dad enlisted in the U.S. Navy later that year, at the age of 17 and was given an honorable discharge in 1960. He married our mom Kae Johnson Carlson on September 22, 1963, at Grace Lutheran Church in Lewellen where he was a life time member.

He was a member of the Lewellen Rural High School Board for 24 years and served as president for several terms. In 1990 he was elected as County Commissioner for the 3rd district of Garden County. Throughout his life he served on various committees and boards, touching many lives.

Dad passed away at the age of 55 while answering a call with the Lewellen Rural Fire Department.

A memorial service was held at Lewellen Rural High School. All lifetime friends served as Honorary Pallbearers. Military honors were conducted by the Oshkosh V.F.W. Post #5379. Dad’s cremains were scattered over the family ranch, onto Rattlesnake Peak by air per his request.

At the time of his death he was survived by his wife, Kae: a son Troy, two daughters Ronda and Kelli: a granddaughter Kaelee (Ronda): his mother Kathleen Carlson of Lewellen: a sister, Sharon Hays (Don) of California: in laws, Mr. and Mrs. Loren Peterson of Scottsbluff along with many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his father Swede Carlson and father-in-law Harley Johnson.

Since his death our family has grown significantly, to include two sons-in-law, one daughter- in-law and three more grandchildren, four step grandsons and several great grandchildren. Although these additional family members never knew him, they feel as if they do with all of the stories that continue to be told.

Dad’s life ended way too soon but we find comfort knowing he is in God’s hands. He is missed by all.