Ernest Wesley “Wes” Carlson, 89, of Arlington, died Friday, Dec. 1, 2017, at the Arlington Care and Rehabilitation Center in Arlington.

Memorial services for are at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Trinity Lutheran Church in Arlington. Burial is in the Arlington City Cemetery.  Visitation is from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday at the Johnson-Henry Funeral Home in Arlington.

Wes was born the son of Ernest F. and Marie “Thue” Carlson on Feb. 14, 1928, in Pasadena, California.  When he was 3, he moved with his family to the farm north of Arlington.  He attended country school in Laketon Township and graduated from Arlington High School in 1946.  Wes started his career in telephone communication in 1947 and retired in 1990 after 42 plus years of service.  

 On July 1, 1948, he married Delores (Dee) Mohor and was blessed to have spent 69 years with her. Through the years Wes was involved with many organizations including the Army National Guard, a member of Trinity Lutheran Church of Arlington, Isaac Walton League, Elks Club, SD Jaycees, El Riad Shrine, Garfield Chapter 28 Mason’s, 24 years as an officer of Sioux Falls Bell Federal Credit Union, Board of Directors for Lake Poinsett Association, Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Forever, Kingbrook Pro Pheasants and more.  Wes was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting and fishing year around.  He liked all sports and especially relished watching his grandchildren and great grandchildren play. 

 He is survived by his wife Dee;  their son, James Carlson of Deadwood;  two grandchildren;  three great- grandchildren; a sister, Elza Gewant  of Woodland Hills, California; five sister in laws, two brothers-inlaw, several cousins and many nieces and nephews.  

He was preceded in death by his twin brother Bill Carlson, and sister Betty Rasmussen.   

  The family request the memorial be El Riad Transportation Fund, your favorite charity or church of your choice.