June 23, 1935 — May 9, 2016

Ted W. Carlson, Jr., 80, formerly of Dowagiac, passed away peacefully in his home on May 9, 2016, with his loving wife beside him.

He was born June 23, 1935, to the late Ted William Carlson, Sr. and Margaret (Walsh) Carlson. Two grandsons, Ryan Carlson and Billy Lucas, also predeceased him.

Ted is survived by the love of his life, Donalee (Dorhauer) Carlson of Boca Raton, Florida; two daughters, Annie Lucas of Orlando, Florida and Sharon Cummings of Fort Lauderdale, Florida; three sons, Steve Carlson and Ted W. Carlson, III, both of South Bend and John Carlson of Mishawaka; two step-children, Laura (Don) Davis Sutherland of Hopkinton, MA and Bill (Jackie) Davis of Bremen; sister, Margaret (Lowell) Roland of Malvern, Ohio; and brother, William D. (Barb) Carlson of South Bend. He is also survived by grandchildren, Amanda (John) Gloster of South Bend, Kristen Carlson of Anna Maria Island, Florida, Ted W. (Maggie) Carlson, IV of Holmes Beach, Florida, Abbie Lucas of Orlando, Florida, Johnny Sven (Brittney) Carlson of South Bend, Monique (Victoria), Kaley and Kyle Carlson, all of Mishawaka, Jillian and Rachael Carlson, both of Avilla, Indiana, Mei and Li Sutherland, both of Hopkinton, Massachusetts, Billy Davis of Gallatin, Tennessee, and Kim Davis of Phoenix, Arizona; as well as 18 great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; 17 nieces and nephews; and 40 grand nieces and nephews.

Ted graduated from St. Joseph High School. He was a successful Sales Executive/Manager for Victor Business Products, Towa and Canon Business Machines during his working years.

Ted had many interests during his wonderful life, including golf, boating at his lake home in Michigan, snowmobiling throughout the state of Michigan, being with his large family and many friends, and Notre Dame Football. A room in his Magician lake home was dedicated to ND, which included an original Knute Rockne Playbook. He spent many happy win and sad defeats in his ND room surrounded by friends and family. Ted showed his love for the young and old by taking them for wild rides behind his boat tubing and by having his famous “Grandpa Days” every summer for just his grandchildren-no adults allowed. Ted also enjoyed helping all the young adults become members of the A-Team. His motto was always ‘work hard and play hard,’ and he did both very well. Because Ted came from a family of firemen, as his father, brother, son and nephew are all firefighters, he became a volunteer fireman and fire buff.

Ted will be missed and remembered by his devoted wife and his loving family and countless friends. Be happy and rest well! Go IRISH!!

Visitation will be held today (Monday,) from 4 to 8 p.m., with the rosary to be prayed at 4 p.m., at the McGann Hay, Granger Chapel, 13260 SR 23, enter off Cherry Rd. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 226 N. Hill St., South Bend, IN 46617. Burial will follow at Cedar Grove Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church.

To send condolences to the family, or for directions, please visit www.McGannHay.com.