Martin J. Carlson

Martin J. Carlson of Natick formerly of Warren, PA and Gettysburg, PA passed away on December 28, 2024. He was born in Warren, PA on November 17, 1934, to the late Martin and Anna (Gustafson) Carlson. Beloved husband of the late Kay Arlene (Schearer) Carlson. Devoted father of Scott Carlson and his wife Cheryl of Natick. Loving grandfather of Anders and Anna Carlson. Brother of the late Ina Smith.

Martin graduated from Warren High School in 1952 after which time he worked briefly as an electrical technician.  He then enlisted in the US Marine Corps where he rose to the rank of sergeant during the time of the Korean Conflict.  With the help of the GI Bill, Martin then enrolled in Kenyon College where he studied physics, specializing in electronics.  During this period, he briefly attended Case Institute of Technology (now Case Western Reserve), ostensibly to pursue an engineering degree, but realistically in order to pursue his future wife Kay, who was then a nursing student in Cleveland. Kay and Marty married, and after completing his degree in physics at Kenyon, Marty worked in a series of engineering jobs for companies including Cooper-Bessemer, Taylor Instruments, and finally Sylvania Electronics which brought him back to his hometown of Warren.  Prior to their return to Pennsylvania, Marty and Kay gave birth to their only son, Scott, in Mt. Vernon, Ohio in October 1963.

In the mid 1970’s, Marty made his first big career shift and began to teach, first as a middle school substitute, and then electronics at the Warren Vocational-Technical School.  During this time, he earned a Master of Arts in Teaching degree from Edinboro State College.  By the mid 1980’s, Marty made his next big career move.  He enrolled in the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Gettysburg, PA, and in the spring of 1986 earned his Master of Divinity and was ordained as a Lutheran Minister, which he continued in until his retirement in 2004.

Apart from his various careers, Marty had a lifelong love of music and was an avid and moderately accomplished singer.  From the 1960’s through the 1980’s Marty also raised and trained Siberian huskies for dogsled teams and dog shows.  He and his son Scott were very active in the dogsled race circuit in the Great Lakes region during this time period. 

Those that knew him well will remember Marty for his quick wit, his slightly corny sense of humor, his love of learning, and his readiness to lend a hand whenever needed.

Visiting Hours in the John Everett & Sons Funeral Home 4 Park Street Natick Common on Wednesday January 8th from 4-7pm. Funeral Service in the Christ Lutheran Church 113 Union Street Natick on Thursday January 9th at 10:30 AM.  Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend. Interment will be in Warren PA County Memorial Park. For directions and guest book please visit www.everettfuneral.com

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