Richard H. Carlson, 83, died Friday, January 13, 2017 following a brief illness. Richard is survived by his wife of 50 years, Karolyn (Nee Grundahl) Carlson and his three children Todd (Charli) Carlson, Lesli (Tim) McCarthy, and Kent (Amy) Carlson. Richard also leaves behind four cherished grandchildren, Connor, Braden, Spencer and Finley. He is further survived by two step-grandchildren Ryann (John) Lawrence, James Hamilton and five great step-grandchildren Lucrezia, Alexis, Zoe, Alanna and Brianna. Richard was born in Saginaw, MI, the son of Carl and Sylvia and brother to Robert and Anne. Richard took great pride in earning his Masters of Engineering from the University of Michigan. He then began his career in mechanical engineering with Allis Chalmers in Milwaukee, WI. He worked in engineering and eventually specialized in quality control. Richard maintained a fruit orchard and farm in Beulah, MI which was originally purchased by his father. He loved to spend time in this beautiful area with Karolyn and his family. In his retirement, Richard enjoyed woodworking, gardening and spending quality time with the family he so loved. He was a long-time member of South Shore Yacht Club and a very proud charter member of Resurrection Lutheran Church in New Berlin, WI.Memorials to Cure SMA Foundation.