Fred N Carlson

Fred N Carlson passed away at his home in Idaho Falls on June 11, 2025. Fred, also known as Fred Jr., was born on September 24, 1938 to Fred W. Carlson and Beatrice Ida Cox Carlson at their home in Basalt, Idaho. Fred was the third of five children in the family. He lived and grew up in Shelley, Idaho surrounded by many friends and family throughout his youth. Having started playing the guitar at a young age, with instruction and guidance from his father, Fred became an accomplished guitarist and talented singer. This was one of the pastimes he enjoyed most throughout his life. He graduated from Shelley High School in 1957 and following graduation he attended Idaho State University and the University of Idaho. Fred received bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD degrees in Mechanical Engineering.

Shortly after graduating with his bachelor’s degree, Fred worked as a Mechanical Engineer and rose to the position of S1W Plant Manager at the Naval Reactor Facility of Idaho National Laboratory. The S1W Plant at the Naval Reactor Facility was the Westinghouse version of the power plant for the USS Nautilus Nuclear Powered Submarine. Fred was familiar with and at times worked with Admiral Rickover. Later in his career he became an Engineering Consultant to the Department of Energy and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Fred also worked in the real estate business for a time and was instrumental in establishing one of the first computerized multiple listing services in Idaho Falls. At another time, Fred, along with his second wife Peggy, owned the oldest general store in Idaho; The Boise Basin Merc in Idaho City.

Being multi-talented and ever curious, Fred led a multi-faceted, adventurous, and full life of 86 years. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. During his prime he engaged in a lot of activities including hunting and fishing with his father, water skiing during the summers and snow skiing in winter. Fred was a private pilot. Fred was also a car guy and obtained an interesting collection of both antique and modern classics.

In the tradition of his father and grandfather, Alfred Carlson, Fred had hobbies as a carpenter, woodworker, and amateur woodcarver. Starting early, when he was in high school under the direction of SHS Teacher Weldon Griffiths, Fred built his family’s living room coffee table, end tables, and other furniture items which were in the family home during all the years the family was together. He was adept at building various furniture items and birdhouses. Building birdhouses was one of his favorite activities, and in fact he built so many that he had to give a lot of them away. They were, and are always treasured by the recipients. He also built some amusing deer caricatures made out of logs and sticks.

In the tradition of his Grandfather Nelson Cox and several cowboy uncles, Fred possessed a love of horses and owned several during his life. Fred always owned a dog. He commissioned and built a beautiful log cabin near the site of the Nelson Cox homestead known as the Cox Wolverine Ranch in Wolverine Basin, Idaho. This was his favorite place on Earth, and the place where he hosted family gatherings and reunions during his life.

Fred married Janette Johnson and together they had their son Frederick James Carlson (a.k.a Jamie and also Little Freddy). Following their divorce Fred was married to Peggy Leavitt for a time. He married Christine Wilding July 7, 2004. Christine passed-away July 6, 2024. Having lost his own son, Jamie by his first marriage, Fred maintained a close relationship with Jamie’s half brother Lynn Davis and Lynn’s sister Terra Harker, throughout the rest of his life. Fred’s extended family and large circle of friends included Celaina Swenson, a special, long time, and intimate friend who cared for him and his home for many years. Over those years, Fred and Celaina became very close. Celaina was with Fred at the end of his life.

Fred was preceded in death by, his son Fredrick James, his parents, and sisters Jeniece (Wildan Bowman) and Norma (Orval Butler). He is survived by his sister Bonnie (Garry France) and brother Brent (Katharine Harwood). He is also survived by Lynn Davis, his lifelong helper, closest friend, and unofficially adopted son.

Fred will be laid to rest beside his wife Christine and near many of his family members and friends in the Taylor Cemetery in Taylor, Idaho.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, June 18, 2025 at the Taylor Cemetery (720 East 129th South) in Idaho Falls. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Nalder Funeral Home in Shelley. Burial will be in the Taylor Cemetery.

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