Donald Roger Carlson, 96 of Nevada, passed away Tuesday, August 27, 2024, at Story County Senior Care in Nevada.

Don was born May 16, 1928, in Evanston, Illinois, the son of Emil and Marie (Erickson) Carlson. He graduated from Concordia High School in 1945, furthered his education earning at B.S. degree in Chemistry from Ottawa University in Kansas in 1950. Following college, Don was drafted in the United States Army, serving during the Korean Conflict from 1951 until his honorable discharge in 1952. On June 16, 1954, he was united in marriage to Bonnie V. Myers in Abilene, Kansas. Don was a devoted member of the Nevada Baptist Church in Nevada. He was a chemist and worked at various labs but spent the majority of his career at Hach Chemical in Ames from 1967-1997.

Don had a deep passion for learning and sharing his knowledge with others. His love for reading and solving Sudoku puzzles was a testament to his curiosity and sharp mind. He enjoyed watching golf and the excitement of sports, and attending Chicago Cubs games alongside his wife, Bonnie.

An avid listener of NPR, Don enjoyed staying informed and engaged with the world around him. His enthusiasm extended to summer vacations and travel, where he and Bonnie explored new destinations, creating lasting memories. At home, Don took great pride in his garden and canning the vegetables he harvested.

Don will be deeply missed by his children Mike Carlson of Nevada and Karen Carlson of Nevada; his grandchildren Sara Shearer, Brett Shearer and Casey Kraus; and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; and his brother Leslie Carlson. Don's legacy of kindness, knowledge, and joyful spirit will live on in the hearts of those he touched.

A visitation will be 10-11 a.m. Friday, August 30, 2024, at Rasmusson-Ryan Funeral Home (1418 Fawcett Pkwy) in Nevada. A graveside service with military honors will follow at the Nevada Municipal Cemetery (1026 1st Street) in Nevada with Pastor Dennis Reynolds officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Story County Senior Care or Suncrest Hospice in his memory.

Rasmusson-Ryan Funeral Home in Nevada is handling arrangements. Condolences may be shared with the family online at www.rasmussonfh.com.