David L. Carlson, PhD (1936-2013)

CARLSON, ULVEN

Posted By: Mark Christian
Date: 7/4/2013 at 12:41:42

From Adams & Soderstrum Funeral Home obituary, Story County, Iowa:

Dr. David L Carlson
September 3, 1936 - March 11, 2013

David L. Carlson, PhD a long time engineering professor and inventor of several notable devices passed away Monday, March 11, 2013 in Ames, Iowa.
David was born and raised in Minneapolis, MN. He was the first son of Myrtle and Lawrence Carlson. David graduated from Washburn High School in Minneapolis. He received a BS in Electrical Engineering from the University of Minnesota in 1958. David often shared many memories of working at the university radio station while a student. He followed his father’s and shared his brother’s passion for electronics.

David continued his studies at the Iowa State University receiving his MS in 1961 and PhD in 1964 in Electrical Engineering. While a biomedical engineering graduate student at ISU, David, along with 4 collaborators, developed one of the first infant respiratory augmentors. This device has saved the lives of countless prematurely born infants. The technology was patented in 1967. David received the Iowa Patent Law Association’s Inventor of the Year Award, as well as the Faculty Citation award from the Iowa State University Alumni Association for this device.

David had an extensive background in electrical engineering and spent time working with and advising numerous organizations including the Los Alamos Lab in New Mexico, NASA and the World Health Organization. In 1963, David along with his business partner, formed the Minneapolis based company Renco which markets ultrasound technology for the detection of pregnancy in livestock. David’s invention is used all over the world.

Despite of his many inventions and business accomplishments, David’s passion was that of college professor. He taught both graduate and undergraduate biomedical engineering students during his 30 year tenure at Iowa State University.

Over his career, David earned eight patents. He collaborated with 28 co-authors and was cited by 57 other authors in industry related papers and works found in 13 different publications. He was a member and leader in a number of professional organizations. David was an expert witness on many court trails regarding electronic device failure.

David was a caring neighbor, often helping others with snow removal. He was active in his neighborhood association, holding the treasurer position for many years. David always enjoyed a comic strip from fellow University of Minnesota graduate, Charles Schultz. David also enjoyed world-wide travel and reading.

David was predeceased by his parents, Myrtle and Lawrence Carlson and brother Douglas. He is survived by his sister, Barbara Ulven (Atlanta) nieces and nephews in California and Atlanta and many friends and neighbors in Ames and Minneapolis.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Ames, Iowa on May 5, 2013

Cemetery Details
Iowa State University Cemetery
Pammel Drive
Ames, IA, 50010

http://www.adamssoderstrum.com/
 

Story Obituaries maintained by Mark Christian.
WebBBS 4.33 Genealogy Modification Package by WebJourneymen