Melvin Carlson Obituary (2023)

Melvin George Carlson was born on February 15, 1938, to Arthur and Elsie Carlson, in Newberry, Michigan. After a long battle with dementia, Mel peacefully passed away on August 29, 2023, at Fieldstone Memory Care in Yakima, Washington. As a young child, Mel, his brother, Herb, and their parents moved to Pullman, Washington. It was Pullman where Mel became a passionate athlete, excelling in football, wrestling, baseball, basketball, and golf. After high school, Mel attended Washington State University (#GoCougs!), where he majored in history and found his love for teaching. Mel was also a member of the WSU Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity, serving as president for two years. After college, Mel moved to Yakima and began his teaching career at West Valley High School. Mel could be found teaching World History, Physical Education, as well as being the Drivers Ed Teacher. In 1962, Mel met and married the love of his life, Mae Marquardt. During their marriage they traveled to far away, once in a lifetime locations, such as Australia, London, Japan, and Israel. In 1963, they welcomed their one and only daughter, Jodi. In addition to raising a family, Mel became the assistant wrestling coach and eventually ran the program. Mel continued to flourish the West Valley wrestling team, as well as becoming the softball coach. Mel retired from teaching in 1989, and was later honored with the Melvin Carlson Wrestling Tournament, held every November, from 1996 to 2016. For many years, Mel could also be found refereeing football games and umpiring baseball games throughout the valley. Mel was a proud member of the Yakima Quarterbacks Club, The Officials Association, and Washington Education Association. Mel and Mae attended Central Lutheran Church, where he sang in the choir for many years. In 1993, Mel was promoted to grandpa, when his daughter gave birth to his one and only grandchild, Janine. Mel loved babysitting Janine from an early age, and in 2003 Mae and Mel moved to California to be closer to their daughter and granddaughter. Mel loved watching Janine play basketball, in fact he sent her emails after every game. He also loved having Janine bake her famous chocolate chip cookies when she came to visit. He loved picking Janine up from school until she could drive herself, after he taught her, of course. Mel is survived by his only granddaughter, Janine. He is proceeded in death by his parents, his wife, Mae, daughter, Jodi, and his brother, Herb. A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday September 30, 2023, at Central Valley Lutheran Church, in Yakima, with a Reception to follow at the Yakima Convention Center. If you are able to attend, please come dressed in WSU gear or crimson and gray colored attire. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the West Valley Wrestling Program by sending a check to West Valley High School ASB (Wrestling Program, at 9800 Zier Road, Yakima, WA 98908). Shaw & Sons Funeral Home is caring for the family. Memories and condolences can be shared at www.shawandsons.com. Memorial Service Central Lutheran Church Saturday, September 30, 2023 11:00 AM 1604 W. Yakima Avenue Yakima, WA 98902