Roger Dean Carlson

Roger Dean Carlson, 75, of Norfolk and formerly of Cedar Rapids, passed away peacefully on May 20, 2025 at Faith Regional Hospital in Norfolk.

Visitation will be held Saturday, May 24, 2025, from 2-4 p.m. at Levander Funeral Home in Albion. A graveside service will be 11 a.m., Thursday, May 29, 2025, at the Main Cemetery in Belgrade with Pastor Mick Goc officiating. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Nebraska Kidney Association: https://www.chadnebraska.org/kidney or another kidney organization of your choice.

Condolences may be sent to the family at: www.levanderfuneralhome.com.

Roger was born on Nov. 29, 1949, in Cedar Rapids, to Ruby and Wesley Carlson. A lifelong farmer, Roger found meaning and purpose in working the land, embracing the values of hard work, optimism, and kindness. He spent his life close to the soil, guided by the changing seasons and a deep connection to nature.

Roger loved tuning into baseball, football, and basketball games. His competitive nature thrived on outplaying others in card games and Yahtzee.

He worked at the ammunition plant in Grand Island after graduating Cedar Rapids High School in 1968. Roger served his country from 1970-72, when he was drafted to the U.S. Army and served stateside. Following his military service, he returned home to farm with his brother, Darwin, until Darwin’s death in 1993. Roger then worked the family farm, until his health declined, resulting in his death from kidney failure.

Roger was a man of quiet strength and integrity. Though he never married, he shared his life generously with those around him — offering help when it was needed, wisdom when it was sought, and a steady presence that brought comfort to many. He was known for his humility, dependability, and devotion to his work and family. He played outstanding softball, enjoyed going to Las Vegas and Iowa to the casinos, and to the local horse races.

He is survived by his brother, Charles Carlson and wife Martha of Columbus; sister-in-law, Betty Carlson of Grand Island; and many nieces and nephews. He greatly enjoyed his role as uncle to Jean Forsberg and husband Matthew of Columbus, Gregory Carlson of Lincoln, Gary Carlson and wife Lynn of Norfolk, Danny Carlson and wife Julie of Central City, Terry Carlson and wife Michelle of Grand Island, Howard Carlson of Curtis, Allen Carlson and wife Tammy of Dayton, Ohio, Sonja Davies of Cheyenne, Wyo., Jon Donnelly of Cheyenne, Wyo., Joe Donnelly and wife Polly of Cheyenne, Wyo.; Dawn Moreland and husband Mel Holt of Sun Valley, Nev.; Debbie Russell and husband Daniel of Tacoma, Wash.; and Karen Terwilleger of Olympia, Wash. Others include his friends: Doug and Randy Kolm; and many friends and neighbors who will remember him fondly. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ruby and Wesley Carlson; his brothers, Darwin and Ronald Carlson; and his sisters, JoAnn Terwilleger and Darlene Donnelly.

Roger’s legacy lives on in the land he loved and the lives he touched with his quiet kindness. He will be deeply missed and remembered always.