Samuel David (Dave) Carlson, 85, of Seneca KS died on March 31st, 2024, at Seneca KS.

Dave was born on April 15th, 1938, in Youngstown, OH to Edward and Gladys (McKain) Carlson. He attended school in Youngstown, OH. He enlisted in the United States Air Force April 1st, 1956, and was later honorably discharged in April of 1963. While stationed at Forbes Field in Topeka he met his future wife Marilyn at a dance.

On September 21st, 1957, Dave married Marilyn Ann Gudenkauf at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Seneca. They made their first home in Ardmore, OK before moving to Seneca to make their permanent home where they raised their 11 children.

Dave held numerous jobs before starting his career with the United States Post office where he retired in September of 1992. While working at the Post Office, he also had his own business of Seneca Carpet Cleaners. After his retirement he held many part time jobs to keep himself busy. His true passion was his volunteerism. He was early organizer of the Seneca EMS and had 25 years of service to the Seneca Fire Department. He played an instrumental role in the original 1922 Stutz Fire Truck refurbishment. His passion led him to a position as a Fire Instructor for the University of Kansas. He was on the Seneca City Council, a member of the Silver Haired Legislature and a member of the Knights of Columbus.

He is survived by his five sons, five daughters and a son in law: Dan (Cindy) Carlson, Ken (Lori) Carlson, and Rick Carlson all of Seneca, KS, Tim Schmitz of Baldwin, KS, Nancy (Stan) Gudenkauf of Bentonville, AR, Joyce (Dave) Borg of Falls City, NE, Linda (Craig) Peterson of Prairie Village, KS, Mark (Janae) Carlson of Lansing, KS, Diane (James) Hilbert and Keith (Charlene) Carlson of Topeka, KS and Lisa (Tom) Young of Frisco, TX. He is also survived by 30 grandchildren, 42 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Dave was preceded in death by his wife Marilyn in 2023, his daughter Elaine Schmitz in 2005, a grand- daughter Megan Carlson in 2004, his sister Virginia Seem, his nephew Duane Seem along with his parents.

A rosary will be prayed on Thursday, April 4th at 2pm and 7pm at Lauer Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00am Friday, April 5th at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church and burial will follow at the Catholic Cemetery.

Memorials may be left in Dave- memory to Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic School in Seneca, KS, sent in care of the family.

To express your sympathy and for more information visit www.lauerfuneralhome.com .