William Carlson
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W. Peter (Pete) Carlson, 84 years of age, Overland Park, KS, passed away on Sunday, August 11 in his home surrounded by his son and daughter. Private funeral services will be held.
A 40+ year resident of the Kansas City area, Pete was born July 29, 1935 to William P. and Virginia E. Carlson in Des Moines, Iowa. Pete was a 1953 graduate of Theodore Roosevelt High School. Pete proudly served his country in the United States Naval Reserve 1956 to 1962 (active duty 1956 to 1958 aboard the USS Antares AK-258). In 1958 he married Jill E. Worley in Des Moines, IA and shared 24 years until their divorce in 1982, during that time birthing and raising three wonderful children.
Pete graduated from Iowa State College (now University) in 1961 with a BS Mechanical Engineering degree; a member of the Sigma Nu Fraternity and American Society of Mechanical Engineers. Pete moved to the Kansas City Area and worked for Colgate Palmolive Company as a project engineer. Pete and family were members of the Overland Park Presbyterian Church and then the Knox Presbyterian Church for many years, where Pete served as Deacon, usher and Sunday school teacher. In 1964, Pete moved to Hallmark Cards, working in various management positions in the Purchasing and Materials Management Divisions attaining a position of Director, retiring in 1990, after 26 years of productive and enjoyable service. Pete was a member of the Kansas City Chapter of the Purchasing Managers Association.
Between 1974 and 1982, Pete coached and managed 23 seasons of numerous youth athletic teams on which his son played in YMCA football, Heart of America and Johnson County soccer, 8-11 and 3&2 baseball and YMCA wrestling, his teams winning numerous league championships and starting one of the first boy’s soccer teams in their age group in southern Johnson County. Years later, he could remember every boy who played for him.
In Pete’s 29 years of retirement, he moved to Breckenridge, Summit County, CO, spending the next 8 years enjoying the splendors of mountain living, skiing and hiking. Pete also enjoyed attending and watching NASCAR auto racing, visiting all but two of the tracks at least once and the Daytona 500, 16 straight years. In 1999, Pete purchased acreage and had a log home built between Drexel, MO and La Cygne, KS.
Pete is survived by three children, which were his love, life and joy: Chris Ann Carlson of Louisville, KY, Marty Jo Vinson and her husband David of Olathe, KS and William (Bill) P. Carlson of Nashville, TN; four grandchildren Tommy, Jessica, Vivian, Will and one great granddaughter Hazel.
I worked for Pete for several years and he was a tremendous leader and friend. I will always remember his humor and kindness he showed to everyone. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. A great person will be missed by everyone.
I worked with Pete during our Hallmark years. He was a great person and always had a humorous slant to share. Pete will be missed.
So sorry for your loss. As you know, my husband, Sid and he were great friends over the years. We had many fun times with him. He will be missed. Marylan Ash
Pete was a dear friend. So many fun times with the “NASCAR Group”. Condolences to his family. He loved you.
Some of my best years at Hallmark were the ones working for Pete. It’s not everyone who can say there was an actual warehouse named after him – Carlson Warehouse on N. Jackson. I always think of him when I go to the Liberty DC and see all the equipment he helped to purchase. He will surely be missed. I wish all the best to his family.
I am so sorry for your loss. I remenber all the fun Jess and Pete had working together at Hallmark. Then there were all of the race events we all went to. WHAT FUN!!! He will always be in our hearts. Gloria Alton
Oh Pete,
Where do I begin….It was a pleasure caring for you at DaVita. I appreciate the laughs, the long talks, your life stories and seeing you in your fancy orange sports car. You never let me down always in good spirits no matter what you were facing. You taught me that sickness has no reign on ones happiness and I will cherish that for years to come. I will never forget you and thank you for blessing my life in so many ways.
With Love!!!!!