Bio: Carlson, Gene – Rev. (Loyal United Methodist – Jun 1971)

Transcriber: : stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Carlson, Cliff, Alton, Bechel

----Source: Tribune/Record/Gleaner (Loyal, Wis.) 01 Jul 1971

Rev. Gene Carlson, formerly of Greenwood, took charge of the United Methodist Church in Loyal (Clark Co., Wis.) and the York Center Methodist Church this past week. The appointment was made by Bishop Ralph Alton at the annual convention of the Methodist Church held at Green Lake recently.

Rev. Carlson had served at Pardeeville for the past four years. He had also served at Ellsworth for five years after leaving Greenwood.

Rev. Carlson was born at Ashland, Wisconsin where he graduated from high school. He iss a graduate from Northland College in Ashland and received his B.D. from the Dubuque Theological Seminary in Iowa in 1956. He has done graduate work at Garrett Theological Seminary and the United Seminary in New Britton.

A veteran of World War II, Rev. Carlson served in the Asiatic Pacific Theater in the Philippines.

Mrs. Carlson is the former Theadora (Dorie) Cliff and was raised at Washburn, Wisconsin. She is active in the WSCS and is interested in sewing. She has also been active in community affairs.

The Carlsons have two children. A daughter, Denise, is married to Sgt. Richard Bechel, now serving the Army Air Corps in Thailand. A son, David, is planning to enter college this fall and is presently employed in Pardeeville.

The Carlson family has enjoyed traveling, including camping. They camped at the Expo in Montreal several years ago. Their travels have taken them all the way from Cape Cod to the Golden Gate, from Mexico City to the far reaches of Canada. The past year they took a Caribbean cruise to the Bahamas, Freeport and Nassau.

In addition to his work with the Methodist Church, Rev. Carlson has been active in community affairs. He served as commander of the 320 member American Legion Post at Ellsworth and is Past District Chaplain of the 10th District.

He is also past president of the Lion's Club and Past President of the Ellsworth Ministerial Association.

The Carlson are happy to be back in this area and are looking forward to meeting old friends.

Rev. Carlson announced that service will be following the summer schedule with worship and 8 and 11 a.m. at Loyal, and 9:30 a.m. at York Center Church.