David Roger Carlson was born November 19, 1941, to Gernard and Leota Carlson in Edgar, Montana. He was raised on the family farm near Edgar and particularly enjoyed cultivating beans and sugar beets on especially hot summer days. He graduated from Edgar High School in 1960. He had two brothers, Herman and Alan. He graduated from Montana State University in 1964 with a B.S. in Civil Engineering and Land Surveying.

Following college, Dave enlisted in the U.S. Army. He served two years of active duty followed by six years of reserve service in Helena. Not long after completing his tour of active duty in Alabama and Georgia, he returned home to Montana and went to work for Morrison-Maierle Inc. of Helena. He retired after 30 years at age 55. He then turned to his life-long hobby and love of wood and started his own business, D. Carlson, Woodworker, offering custom designed, hand-crafted furniture. He ran this business for nearly 30 years and loved every minute creating with wood.

He married Edith McClure in 1967. They had two children: Scott in 1969 and Beth in 1972. He later married Donna Wiseman until her death a short time later. In 1993 he married Darla Geesling. At the time of his death, he had 7 grandchildren and one great grandson.

Dave was a wonderful father, stepfather, and a "great" grandfather - never complaining, but always sharing and teaching with respect and love.

Dave was an avid life-long fly-fisherman. He loved to fish the small streams, especially the Upper Boulder near Bernice and Dog Creek, near Elliston. He often reminded us that, "It always helped restore the soul."

He was well respected and loved by those who knew him.

Dave died suddenly and unexpectedly at home in the early morning hours on March 15th. He was 83. We will all miss him immensely, and his absence leaves an empty space in our hearts.

He is survived by his wife Darla Carlson; Children: Scott (Nancy) Carlson, Beth Carlson, Stephanie (Paul) Kindt, Daughter-in-law Kari Geesling; Grandchildren: Anna (Khyrul) Khan, Abigail Carlson, Megan Vanderhoff, Nickolas David Vanderhoff, Brian (Jinky) Geesling, Marissa Geesling, Sara Geesling and Great Grandson: Kassius Geesling.

He was preceded in death by his parents Gernard and Leota Carlson, Brothers Herman and Alan, his 1st wife Edith McClure-Carlson, his 2nd Wife Donna Carlson, and many friends of the 2-legged and 4-legged variety. Most recently, he was preceded in death by his stepson Tom Geesling.