Kenneth Bruce Carlson, Hillsboro
Kenneth Bruce Carlson Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information (jostfuneralhome.com)
May 11, 1953 - August 28, 2021
Hillsboro - Kenneth Bruce Carlson, 68, passed away in Hillsboro August 28, 2021. He was born May 11, 1953 to Dale and Delores (Miltz) Carlson in Herington, Kansas.
Life Sketch Taken from the Funeral Bulletin
Kenneth Bruce Carlson 68, born May 11, 1953 in Herington, Kansas. He was the second child of Dale and Delores (Miltz) Carlson. Shortly after he was born, he was baptized at St. John Lutheran Church in Lincolnville Kansas, where he was also confirmed in 1967.
He grew up in Lost Springs, Kansas where he attended Lost Springs Grade School followed by fouryears at Centre High School, where he graduated in 1971.
As a young boy, he played on Pee-Wee and Cookies Little Leagues teams. His friends still recall a massive home run he hit left-handed; they were all so impressed on how far he could hit the ball with his less dominant arm. These same friends would also participate in pick-up football games at the church yard where he received a childhood nickname Lance, that has stuck with him for over 50 years.
Kenny also held a paper route with his Grandpa Miltz and was known for doing other odd and end jobs around town that included painting houses and oil wells, mowing, helping local farmers, and going on the road custom cutting for the Wertz Family.
Growing up, the family spent a lot of weekends at Diamond Creek camping and fishing, where they would play pitch and name that tune for hours. The family spent a lot of time together with many vacations on the road. Places they visited include Mt. Rushmore, Colorado, Arkansas, Branson, Missouri, and many summers in Russell, Kansas visiting their uncle Harold. The family enjoyed participating in activities together, such as swimming, playing ball, games, going to the Royals games, and spending time together.
Ken enjoyed having nice cars. Some of these cars included a 1965 Chevy Impala, 1973 Chevy Camaro, and 1977 Z-28 Camaro. He enjoyed many evenings dragging Main Street. On one of these night cruises, he met Marilyn Sue Heiser and later married her in 1978.
After getting married, the couple moved to Hillsboro where he resided for the next 43 years.
Ken was known for being a hard worker. In 1974, he started at AMPI, where he was a cheese processor for 25 years. After his career at AMPI, he started on a new journey with the City of Hillsboro and served this community for almost 20 years. After retirement, he continued to give back to the community of Hillsboro with contractual mowing.
He had a sharp memory and a slogan, “Do you remember…”. One thing we can all agree upon, Ken never knew or met a stranger. He was a loving and kind man that would talk your ear off, if you let him.
He is survived by his sons Jon (Colleen) Carlson, of Kansas City Mo; Gregory Carlson, of Herington Kansas; and daughter Bobbi Jo Carlson, of Plano, Texas; three brothers, Robert (Brenda) Carlson, Kevin (Roxanna) Carlson, and Mike Carlson; and former wife Marilyn Carlson.
Preceding him in death were his parents Dale and Delores Carlson, brother Roland C. Carlson, and son Erik B. Carlson.
Survivors include: sons Jon (Colleen) Carlson of Kansas City Missouri, Greg Carlson of Herington; daughter Bobbi Jo Carlson of Plano, Texas; brothers Robert (Brenda) Carlson of McPherson, Kevin (Roxanna) Carlson of McPherson, Mike Carlson of Hillsboro; former wife Marilyn Sue Carlson.
Celebration of Life service 10:30 a.m. Thursday, September 2, 2021 at Zion Lutheran Church in Hillsboro officiated by Pastor John Werner. Committal service at Lincolnville Cemetery. Family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday at Jost Funeral Home in Hillsboro.
Memorials to City of Hillsboro in care of Jost Funeral Hom, P.O. Box 266 Hillsboro, KS 67063.
Online condolences at www.jostfuneralhome.com.
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