Walter Carlson, 69

Walter Dean Carlson June 19, 1942 to March 18, 2011.

Walt would want to be remembered as a hard worker and faithful Christian. He was the son of the late Hugo and Louise Carlson.

Walt served in the U.S. Navy. He later attended North Idaho College where he met his first wife and mother of his children, Judy Totten.

After graduation he worked in Construction for many years.

He became a vocational instructor at NIC teaching the Carpentry class.

Walt completed his master’s degree from the University of Idaho and was promoted to division chair at NIC. Walt was a longtime member of Christ the King.

In recent years, Walt moved to Kalispell, Mont., where he married Kathy White in October 2009 at Trinity Lutheran Church where they had both become members.

After less than a year of marriage Walt was diagnosed with brain cancer.

They enjoyed one more year of life together before it became apparent the cancer had returned and was terminal.

Walt spent his final months at the Brendan House under the care of their wonderful staff and Hospice.

The family would like to extend our deepest thanks for all of those whose care and concern touched our lives.

He is survived by his loving wife, Kathy White Carlson; daughter, Rita Serwat (Ladd), of Rathdrum; and son, Jeff Carlson (Windy), of Kalispell; four grandchildren and five sisters, Marilyn Peterson, Judy Fischer, Shirley Morris, Lois Worst and Tina Dickerson.

A memorial service will be held at Christ the King Lutheran Church, at 2 p.m. on Friday May 4, 2012.