Ralph Carlson (1928 – 2019) lived most of his life in Virginia, attending Virginia schools and graduating from Roosevelt High School. He received a degree from the University of Minnesota Duluth in Accounting.
Ralph served in the US Army in Korea earning the Bronze Star medal. He worked as an accountant for US Steel – Minntac until retirement in 1983. Ralph always said the best thing he ever did was marry Julie Amys. Together for 55 years, they enjoyed seasons tickets to the Virginia Blue Devils hockey games, spending time and fishing on Lake Vermilion, travel (especially to Hawaii and cruising), and spending time teaching grandkids to play Cribbage.
An ambitious man, Ralph was kind and caring. He took his responsibilities seriously. He updated his parents’ house to make sure his mom could live in the house after his dad passed away. After working hard for 35 years, Ralph had saved enough money to enjoy his 36 years in retirement.
Ralph was a regular contributor to the Virginia Community Foundation He enjoyed the murals, Olcott Park Fountain renovation, Lake Walk and restoration around Silver and Bailey’s Lakes among other projects.
He believed in education, and he felt the use of funds for Virginia schools and programs were important.
“My mom and I knew my dad would approve of a donation to the Virginia Community Foundation.” -Brent Carlson (Ralph & Julie’s son)