Michael R. Carlson

Michael Richard Carlson was born on 15 January 1953 to Leif and Mary Carlson in Lansing, Michigan. He was the oldest of six children. As a child of military parents, his early childhood years were spent relocating to Air Force Bases in Mississippi, France and finally to Alabama.

In Union Springs, Alabama he was the “leader” of five other siblings. All have fond memories of hiking, swimming, playing kick the can, going on picnics and trips with the family.

Smart, capable and kind, Michael had a great circle of friends and was always ready for a laugh. With a twinkle in his eye, he was game for good times with his friends.

After high school, Michael was accepted to Auburn University. His first year was filled with activities other than education, so he (and his parents) decided to change course. His next experience would become one of his most proud, and ultimately defining period, as a Navy Seal.

In 1973, Michael joined the Navy. After “swabbing the decks” for a year, he applied, accepted and graduated to become part of an Underwater Demolition Team/ - UDT-11/Seal Team 5 from 1975 to 1977 . With dropout rates at 75%, an amazing accomplishment for someone hopelessly adrift a year earlier.

Four years later, Michael joined the Naval reserves and returned to Auburn University where he met his first wife, Ansley Boling. Upon graduation, Michael worked for Dow and then Hercules Chemical Corporations.

Working for chemical companies did not turn out to be Michael’s idea of a fulfilling career, especially considering the camaraderie and adventure of being an operator in UDT 11/Seal Team Five. He set out for better prospects as a PhD candidate in biomedical engineering at Tulane University.

It was 1983, Apple and Microsoft were just starting out, and software was the new and exciting place to grow. While working toward his master’s, Michael gained skills in programming and database management. Both would serve him well as his career evolved.

During the stint at Tulane, their son, Morgan Davis Carlson (1987) was born, and after their final move to Charleston, S.C., their daughter, Cameron Wyn Carlson (1992).

In Charleston, Michael worked for departments at Medical University of South Carolina as Networking and System engineer, along with consulting, database programming, and then to SPAWAR Systems for Naval Space Command’s satellite tracking and other projects.

In 2002, Michael divided his assignments between Charleston and Stuttgart, Germany, where he met Lotte Irene (Reni) Pols. They were married in 2017, and spent many happy times together in Germany traveling, enjoying family, and more recently in the States.

Michael retired as Lieutenant Commander (LCDR) in the Navy in August 2003. He retired from civil service on 1 January 2024 and passed away from colon cancer on 1 July 2024. He will be missed deeply by all those who knew and cared about him. 

Michael is survived by his wife of seven years Reni, Morgan Davis Carlson, (Lakeland Florida), and Cameron Carlson, (Blowing Rock, North Carolina) along with his five siblings, Jeanne Carlson Parker (Larry) (Jacksons Gap, Alabama), Dirk Thomas Carlson (Pam) (Boise, Idaho), Karen Carlson Hughes (J.R.) (Auburn, Alabama) Tracy Wyn Carlson (Ashlye) (Greensboro, NC), Christopher Scott Carlson (Missy) (Bulverde, Texas).

Michael was dearly loved by Reni’s family, her four children: Tanja Meier (Josef), Debora Pols, Daniel Pols (Nicole), Stefan Pols; and many, many grandchildren.

He will be honored at the Alabama National Cemetery in Montevallo, AL. on Monday, 12 August 2024 at 11:00 AM/CST. Reception to follow.  

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