Robert "Bob" William Carson Sr.

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Robert (Bob) William Carson Sr. on Wednesday, February 20th, 2019 at Farmstead Estates Assisted Living. Bob was 93. While residing there the past two years, he was able to experience many fun excursions and make new friends. He celebrated each day with a smile, a kind heart and a thank you to those who helped care for him.

Bob was the beloved husband of the late Dolores Carson (Dickinson), loving father of daughter Claire (John) Bergman, and sons, Robert (Candace) Carson Jr. and Mitchell (Patricia) Carson, proud grandfather to Melissa (Matt) Bishoff, Nathan Bergman, Jeremy (Monica Spivey) Carson, Ryan Carson and Matt Carson. He was beyond proud of his great-grandson and namesake, William Bishoff. He is also survived by brother-in-law, James (Diane) Dickinson, Sister, Delores (Mike) Pihl. Son of the late Charles and Margie Carson and predeceased by three sisters: Donna Carson, Charlene (Fred) Harris and Dorothy (Tom) Cummings, he is fondly remembered by nieces, nephews and many good friends.

A World War II and Korean War Veteran, Bob served as a hospital combat corpsman as an enlisted medical specialist attached to the U.S. Marine Corps unit. Enlisting immediately following high school graduation from Fargo Central at the age of 18, Bob said that his country needed him, and it was his honor to serve the United States of America. He was the recipient of several medals and awards for his service and bravery, such as a letter of appreciation from the commanding general of the X Corps to the 1st Marine Division of the Korean War. This was due to the historic assault at INCHON and CHOSIN RESERVIOR, the successful amphibious withdrawal of the 1st Marine Division and 3rd and 7th Infantry Divisions through HUNGNAM and their attack on “NO NAME RIDGE” until the southern rim of PUNCHBOWL was captured in June 1951. Bob always reminded us that it was Psalm 23, which he recited daily during his time in the wars, which brought him home safely to us. He published the diary of his war experiences for his family in 1995. Robert will be remembered for his strength, honesty and loyalty to his faith, family and country.

This gentle, kind and caring man has left a permanent mark on our family’s hearts, and will be greatly missed. A quiet, introspective man, Bob had a twinkle in his eye and a great smile whenever anyone stopped by to visit. He loved to tell stories of history, the news of the day or his past experiences to his visitors. Bob had the highest integrity in his work and in his family life. He donated many hours to Cub/Boy Scouts with his sons and the Y’s Men International with his wife and family. He enjoyed traveling to the mountains of Colorado to visit Matt and Ryan while attending their graduations, taking in the country’s history in Boston while attending Jeremy’s wedding and sitting on the deck at Lake Ida to be entertained by Melissa’s and Nathan’s tubing and swimming skills at the lake.

Bob’s extraordinary talent and passion for precision, carpentry, and supervisory skills led him to a career of building construction, commercial and residential, throughout the city of Fargo. He was so proud of this legacy. One of his favorite projects was the Fargo Moorhead Community Theater that was built by the company with which he worked. During that project, along with many of the company’s workers, Bob volunteered his time and supervision skills in the evenings and on weekends. After the building was completed, Bob and his family attended many performances at the theater through the years. He was able to attend his last play this past December. During the intermission, people seated around him were regaled with stories about how difficult and tricky it had been to construct the stage and put it into place. The afternoon was a memorable event for him.

Bob built his first family home in South Fargo and then a lake home on Lake Ida in Minnesota. Building projects were his hobby. There was always another project on the horizon before the other was finished. Family and friends enjoyed the lake home for many years.

Bob was an avid reader (2 or 3 books at a time), historian (family genealogy, as well) and lover of Irish music (especially the bagpipes). He appreciated a variety of authors, including Louie Lamoure books, many historical fiction books and poetry (especially James W. Foley who wrote the North Dakota state song). John Wayne was a favorite actor. Watching Clint Eastwood movies and the Blue Bloods American drama TV series were favorite past times. He loved food and family dinners. Bob was so proud of his Irish heritage. He liked hearing this past year that our family was most likely 100% Irish. He would just wink and smile as he repeated this information in the days that followed.

A private family service was held Saturday, February 23rd, 2019 at Gethsemane Cathedral as per his wishes, with a bagpipe playing when “Irish Eyes are Smiling,” Steve Stark (a special friend) singing “Oh Danny Boy,” the Navy presentation of the American flag for his years of service and with several spiritual readings, including Psalm 23, by Nathan Bergman, Melissa Bergman Bishoff and Matt Bishoff. A dinner following the service, at Bob’s request, was held in his honor at his favorite restaurant, Doolittle’s.

Bob and the family would like to thank all the health care professionals who helped care for him in the last years of his life. We are grateful to the VA Home-Based Care staff, Sanford Home Health (especially Brenda who was part of his care staff for many years), and the wonderful, caring staff at Farmstead Estates Assisted Living (with special mention of Amber and Brady) until his passing.

As an expression of sympathy or a memorial to Bob, contributions may be sent to the Fargo Moorhead Community Theater.