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He believed deeply in forgiveness and often reminded those he loved not to leave this world angry or bitter.

Dean M. Carlson, 71, of Two Rivers, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully at home on August 30, 2026, at 4:55 a.m., surrounded by his wife of 43 years, Hope, and by his children, Robert and Stefanie. He had been diagnosed with Stage IV esophageal cancer on August 12, 2026 & died 38 days later. Born on August 14, 1955, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Dean lived a life marked by hard work, devotion to family, and a steady, caring presence that will be deeply missed.

Dean served his country in the United States Navy, entering on August 31, 1972, where he worked as a Marine Mechanic before receiving an honorable discharge. He was also proud of his education and personal determination. He graduated from Moraine Park Technical College in 1977 with High Honors in Electronic Servicing, and later earned his GED on December 1, 1997, an accomplishment that remained one of his proudest achievements.

A hardworking and dependable man, Dean built a long and varied career. Over the years he worked as a truck driver, cab driver, driller’s helper, driller, drilling foreman, and finally manager, spending 25 years in environmental drilling and offshore drilling. Later in life, he became an antique dealer and found great enjoyment in buying and selling through eBay and at antique shows. At the Oak Creek Post Office, he became known as “Priority Man” because of the many priority boxes he shipped across the United States and around the world. In retirement, he made his home in Two Rivers, Wisconsin.

Those who knew Dean knew him as a caring and gentle giant. He gave thoughtful advice when problems felt too big or too complicated, especially to his children and to his son-in-law, Michael. He believed deeply in forgiveness and often reminded those he loved not to leave this world angry or bitter. He was kind, giving, loyal, empathetic, and pragmatic, with a dry humor that surfaced in memorable ways. Prepared and practical, he always had a backup plan and encouraged his children to do the same. Though he could appear stoic and old-fashioned, that steady exterior held a man who taught his family to love God, love one another, and show respect to elders and to people in authority.

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Dean often said that his wife saved him.

Dean often said that his wife saved him. He believed that when he and Hope married and welcomed their first child, he had to decide what kind of man, husband, and father he would be. Responsibility gave him purpose and fulfillment, and he embraced that calling with his whole heart. Though he did not have the example of a close relationship with his own father, he chose to become a great dad. He worked hard to support his family, yet he was never too busy to talk with his children, to understand who they were as individuals, and to make sure they knew they were loved.

His daughter especially remembered the many conversations they shared in the basement about life, God, and the great mysteries that stretch the mind and heart—questions about eternity, creation, and what lies beyond what we can see. Dean had a way of helping his children think deeply, and those conversations helped lead them to seek and find the Lord later in life. He was immensely proud not only of Stefanie and Robert’s success in their careers and families, but especially of their walk with Christ.

Dean also found joy in the simple pleasures that made life rich. He loved going to the casino and playing Texas Hold ’Em. He loved his dogs, Smokey, Precious, and Gracie. He treasured his backyard and the sight of robins, blue jays, cardinals, and hummingbirds. He cheered for the Green Bay Packers, enjoyed watching golf, and loved science fiction, especially The Twilight Zone, Alfred Hitchcock, Star Trek, and the books and films of Ray Bradbury. He also enjoyed watching Are You Afraid of the Dark with his children, sharing with them the fun of those moments together.

Among Dean’s proudest accomplishments were earning his GED, welcoming his firstborn child, his daughter Stefanie, and then his son Robert into the world, and becoming a grandfather to his first grandchild, Micah Gabriel Harman-DeRosier. He took great joy in all of his grandchildren—their laughter, their antics, and the life they brought into every gathering. He especially loved hearing Charlotte call him “Paw-Paw,” and he delighted in watching the children play and engaging with them. He was proud, too, of buying a second home, fulfilling a promise he had made to Hope. Knowing that his legacy would live on through his children and grandchildren meant a great deal to him.

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He worked hard to support his family, yet he was never too busy to talk with his children, to understand who they were as individuals.

Dean is survived by his beloved wife, Hope Carlson of 43 years of marriage; his daughter, Stefanie Harman-Derosier (Michael); and his son, Robert Carlson (Mindy). He is also survived by his grandchildren; Elsie, Etta, Amelia, Charlotte, and Walter and many nephews, nieces, and cousins. 

He was preceded in death by his mother, Ruth Carlson; his father, Arvid Carlson; his sister, Helga Nohavica; his brother-in-law, Ivan Nohavica; his uncle, Gilbert Reschke; his nephew, Jan Nohavica; his grandson, Micah Harman-DeRosier; his aunt and uncle, Skippy and Ruth LaMoore; and his cousin, Gene LaMoore.

Dean’s life was one of perseverance, faith, loyalty, and love. He leaves behind the memory of a man who worked hard, loved deeply, gave wisely, and found his greatest fulfillment in his family. He found Jesus Christ as his Lord & Savior & accepted God with all his heart. He will be remembered with abiding love and gratitude by all who were blessed to know him.