Carl B. (Sonny) Carlson, son of Bernard E. and Ruth (Osborne) Carlson, was born on May 15, 1931, in Omaha, Nebraska. He passed away on December 15, 2007, at the Veterans Hospital in Omaha at the age of 76.

Sonny's entire life was spent in Omaha until eleven years ago when he moved to Shenandoah, Iowa. He attended Train School at 6th & Hickory in Omaha. On February 9, 1953, he entered active duty in the Army and attained the rank of Corporal before receiving his honorable discharge on December 2, 1954. On June 5, 1992, Sonny was united in marriage to Lola Ames in Omaha at the Hall of Justice. Following their marriage they resided in Omaha until moving to Shenandoah. He worked at the Omaha Brick Works in Ralston for 33 years. In his spare time he enjoyed fishing and boating.

Preceding Sonny in death were his parents; two brothers, Kenny and Raymond; and a sister, Donna. Survivors include his wife Lola Carlson of Shenandoah; four step sons, Michael Ames of Shenandoah, Mark Ames of Manitou Springs, CO, Mitchell Ames of Spartansburg, SC, and David Upchurch of Arizona; daughter, Tammie Hummel of Omaha; three grandchildren; six step grandchildren; four great grandchildren; sister, Sandra Fike of Essex, IA; two brothers, Donald Carlson of Omaha and Wayne Carlson of Orange County, CA; other relatives and many friends.

Celebration of Life Services were held on Saturday, January 12, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. from the Hackett-Livingston Funeral Home in Shenandoah. Words of Comfort were given by Rev. Jack Langley. Attending the Memory Register was Arlis Baucom. The U.S. Army Honor Guard of Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas handled the Flag Presentation. Memorials are being directed to the family.