Lion Swede

Lion Ivar P. "Swede" Carlson

Ivar P. "Swede" Carlson was born on July 24, 1928 in Denver, Colorado to Ivar and Elsie (Nord) Carlson. Elsie passed soon after his birth and he was lovingly raised by his new mother Henrietta (Lindahl) and father Ivar at the family home in Englewood, Colorado. He is survived by his younger sister Virginia (Tom) and his younger brother Eddie (Maxine). He graduated from Englewood High school in 1946. Ivar proudly served his country in the United States Army (1946-1948) and the Air Force Reserves (1948-1952).

Ivar married Phyllis Muhr on October 14, 1951 and quickly started their family. They raised their three sons Darryl, Paul, and Neil and moved the family from Grand Junction to Lakewood in 1967. Over the years the family has grown to include: two daughters-in-law, Charlotte and Jan; seven grandchildren and spouses, Melissa, Nathan, Michael

(Joanne), Nicholas (Lisa), Angela, Erik (Kayann), and Kirsten; and six great-grandchildren, Paul, Abigail, Kendall, Christian, Adele and Gabriel. Ivar lost his precious, loving wife Phyllis on August 12, 2010. His final wish to be reunited with her for eternity has finally come true. Ivar worked in the freight transportation business as a salesman and sales manager for Rio Grande Motorway and Nortwest/Westway Transport prior to his retirement. Ivar was an active lifetime member of the Denver Lions Club serving as club president in1994-95. He was also a member of the MasonicLodge and the VASA Swedish Lodge. He was a longtime member of Holy Shepherd Lutheran Church. He treasured all of the friendships and memories he experienced while being a member of these organizations. Ivar was a loyal fan and season ticket holder of the Denver Broncos and also enjoyed attending Colorado Rockies games.