Madison – Dale M. Carlson, age 94, passed away after a brief illness at the VA Hospital in Madison. He was born February 7, 1921 in Madison, the son of Ernest and Mae Carlson. Dale was a lifelong Madison resident.

Dale worked for the 20th Century Theatres in Madison. His first day in the business was July 17, 1937, at the Orpheum Theatre. Carlson's movement up the managerial ladder was interrupted by World War II. He spent several years in the South Pacific in NoumAC.a New Caledonia as a criminologist for the Army's Criminal Investigation Division. After his return to Madison he went back to work for 20th Century Theaters in Madison until his retirement in 1990 after 53 years. While working at the theaters, Dale had the privilege to meet Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman, Cher, Johnny Cash and Bob Hope, just to name a few.

Dale met his wife Jeanette Mollrud in January 1946 and they were married on October 12, 1946. Together they had 4 children: Mary Jo Vollrath (William) of Woodstock, IL, Craig Carlson (Patricia) of Madison, WI, Connie Carlson (Greg) of Dakota Dunes, SD, and John Carlson (Maria) of Fort Atkinson, WI; 9 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.

Dale and Jeanette travelled extensively. They enjoyed travelling internationally to places such as Morocco, Italy, Spain and France. They especially enjoyed their annual Christmas trip for 30 years to Fort Lauderdale by the sea to spend time with family.

Dale was a sports enthusiast and was a huge Badgers, Packers and Brewers fan. He was instrumental in the development of Bill Lister Field at West Madison Little League. Dale was a great husband, father and grandfather. Family was the most important thing to him.

A special thank you to the 4th floor Cardiac Care Unit at the VA Hospital for their compassionate care.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Mae Carlson; and his brother Owen Carlson.

A Memorial Gathering will be held from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Sunday, December 6, 2015 at JOYCE-RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 5701 Odana Road, Madison.

Joyce-Ryan Funeral Home

Dale Carlson

February 07, 1921 - December 03, 2015

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