Daniel Carlson

Daniel John Carlson, May 23, 1963 - April 10, 2012 Dan Carlson was born on May 23, 1963 in Chicago to Robert and Phyllis Carlson. His family lived in Cleveland and then Michigan. Dan graduated from Seaholm High School in Birmingham, Mich., in 1981. Dan graduated from the University of Michigan in 1985 with a degree in Mass Communication. He was a member of Alpha Delta Phi fraternity and fraternity president his senior year. After graduation, Dan worked for Crowley's Department store and pursued an MBA from Michigan State University. While working at Crowley's, Dan met and dated his future wife, Laura Parzynski. After completing his MBA, Dan began work with Ford Motor Co. in 1989 as a regional sales rep in Southern California. Dan and Laura married in 1990 and resided in Huntington Beach, Calif. They welcomed their daughter, Paige, in 1995. Dan and Laura moved to Michigan with Ford in 1999 until a promotion moved the family to Melbourne, Fla., for Dan to help oversee one of Ford's customer service call centers. Dan stayed involved with his fraternity and traveled frequently to Ann Arbor to contribute to its success. Dan loved golf, working with his hands, and being involved in his community. Their home was a frequent award winner in the annual neighborhood Christmas decoration contest. Dan was a kind and likable man with a great smile and quick laugh. He chose to see the best in people and when asked how his day was, his reply was always the same-""Fantastic!"" Dan passed away suddenly in his home, April 10, 2012, and will be dearly missed by his family, friends, community, and his beloved dogs, Jack and Muffin. Dan is survived by his wife, Laura, his daughter, Paige, his mother, Phyllis, and siblings, Bob, Tom, Susan and Dave. His father preceded him in death in 2009. A memorial Mass will be held at 10:00AM, Saturday, April 21, 2012 at St John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Viera. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: The Paige Carlson Education Fund C/O Regions Bank 7750 North Wickham Road Melbourne, FL32940 To read more about Dan's story, go to www.danialjcarlson.com