Carlson, Rodney R. - 1936-2012

BHATTACHARYYA, CARLSON, PHIPPS, TABOR

Posted By: Polk Volunteer
Date: 7/21/2024 at 12:30:05

Brigadier General (IA) Brigadier General (IA) Rodney R. Carlson M.D., 75, passed away March 14, at his home in Ankeny. He will be cremated and visitation will be 5 to 8 p.m., Thursday, March 22 at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 517 SW Des Moines St., Ankeny. Memorial services will be 11 a.m., Friday, March 23, 2012 at the church.
Rod was born April 14, 1936 to Eldon and Pearl Carlson in Marathon, Iowa. He graduated from Marathon High School and continued his education at Buena Vista College. He received his doctorate at The University of Iowa in 1962. Following a family practice residency at Broadlawns, Rod established a family practice in Ankeny, where he continued his career until retiring from Mercy Medical Center in 1999. He was also a member of many medical associations.
Rod served in the Iowa Army National Guard for 33 years. During which time he served as the Iowa State Surgeon General.
Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Lynne Carlson of Ankeny; children, Matthew Carlson, Christopher (Barb Phipps) Carlson, Leslie (Abir Bhattacharyya) Carlson, Luke (Lisa) Carlson, and Andrew (Andrea) Carlson; grandchildren, Courtney, Drew, Alex, Avery, and Brad; brothers, Wesley (Lola) Carlson, and William (Winnie Lee) Carlson; and sister, Pearlann (John) Tabor. He is preceded in death by his parents, and brother, Donald Carlson.
Memorial contributions may be made to PAWS & Effect, an organization providing service dogs and training to returning Iowa soldiers.
Ankeny Funeral Home and Crematory
Published in Des Moines (IA) Register; Sunday, March 18, 2012, page 7B