Kurt D. Carlson, age 73, passed away unexpectedly on March 30, 2026, at his home.

Kurt was born to the late Carl and Marion (Applin) Carlson on July 26, 1952, in Iron River, Michigan. Kurt was born and raised in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan until the age of 12. In 1964 he moved with his family to Swartz Creek Michigan and graduated from Swartz Creek High School in 1971.

In October of 1971 he enlisted in the United States Air Force. After basic training he attended the Air Force Security Police Academy and graduated in January of 1972. He was then assigned to TUSLOG Detachment 93 at Erhac Air Base in the mountain region of Turkey. After one year in Turkey, he was reassigned to K.I. Sawyer Air Force Base near Marquette Michigan in the U.P.

In October of 1974, after being sent through combat training, Kurt was assigned to U-tapao Royal Thai Naval Air Base in Thailand. In April of 1975, he was assigned as a Sky Marshall with the 374th Airlift Wing, Tan Son Nhut Air Base, Vietnam, where he flew as a crew member in C-130 Aircraft assisting with the evacuation of refugees from Vietnam.

In June of 1976, Kurt was sent back to K.I. Sawyer Air Force Base and was there until 1986. He was then sent to Hahn Air Base in the Federal Republic of Germany. In 1989 due to the untimely death of his oldest daughter, Kurt was given a Humanitarian reassignment to Wurtsmith Air Force Base in Michigan.

In July of 1992, after almost 21 years, he retired from active duty as a Master Sergeant. In April of 2005 Kurt was united in marriage to the former Pamela Hendricks in Manitowoc.

After another 20 years of working in several positions in civilian life, and living in Wisconsin, Illinois, Missouri and back to Wisconsin, Kurt settled in Mishicot with his wife Pam who is also a retired Air Force Master Sergeant.

Kurt and Pam both retired and were active members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Kurt was also active in the Combat Veterans Motorcycle association and was a former chapter commander. Pam is also a member of the Combat Vets and is their public relations officer.

Kurt was also a life member of the Vietnam Veterans Association and was currently serving on the Manitowoc County Veterans Commission and the Manitowoc County Veterans Council.

Kurt is survived by his loving wife, Pam; his children, Tim (Regina) Carlson, Aubrey Carlson (Jonathan Rodas), Rachael Carlson, Hannah (Ryan) Campion; stepchildren, Travis Toberman and Scott Toberman; grandchildren, Bauer, Bryce, Cadence, Bayleigh, Allie, Jonovan, Alana, Ava, Truman, and Hadley. He is further survived by his siblings, Wayne (Annie) Carlson, Marvin (Lutricia) Carlson, Cheryl Dorais; and a brother-in-law, Paul Sandstrom. Many nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.

In addition to his parents, Carl and Marion Carlson, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Melissa, a sister, Kathy Sandstrom, and a brother-in-law, Jeffrey Dorais.

A funeral service will take place on April 6th, 2026, at the Deja & Martin Funeral Chapels, 1506 18th Street, Two Rivers at 4:00 p.m. Bishop Chris Roll will preside at the service. The family will greet relatives and friends from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service at 4:00 p.m. Military honors will be accorded immediately in the funeral home parking lot by members of American Legion Post #165 and VFW Post #1248 of Two Rivers. Kurt will be privately laid to rest in the Central Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in King.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations in Kurt's name to the American Legion Post #165 of Two Rivers.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting dejamartin.com.

The Deja & Martin Funeral Chapels of Two Rivers is assisting the Carlson family with arrangements.