Kenneth J. Carlson, 74, died peacefully Monday, December 7 surrounded by the love and care of his family. Born in Palmer, August 10, 1935, he was the son of the late John and Greta (Tiselius) Carlson. A lifelong resident, Kenny served in the Marine Corps during Korea and was a member of the AMVETS in Three Rivers. In his working career, he devoted 44 years to Jarvis Caster Group, retiring in 1997 as Executive Vice President and General Manager. He was past President of Caster & Floor Truck Assoc of the US. He was also an 18 year veteran of the Palmer Fire Dept. and retired as Captain in 1975. Additionally, Kenny served as a Trustee and on the Board of Investment of Country Bank since 1976, as well as serving Wing Memorial Hospital as a Trustee and on the Board of Governors. In his leisure, he enjoyed boating and golf and was a longtime member of the Quaboag Country Club. He spent many memorable years on Cape Cod with family and friends. He will be deeply missed by his wife of 52 years, the former Jacqueline Bouchie, along with his children Cheryl Roy and her husband Alan of Palmer and David Carlson and his wife Pamela, of Monson. He also leaves his two precious grandchildren, Nicole and Jeffrey Carlson as well as several nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, his siblings Grace Kulpa, Ingrid Czech and Alfred Carlson predeceased him. Funeral services will be Friday, December 11 at 9:00 a.m. from the Beers & Story Palmer Funeral Home, 1475 N. Main St., (Rte. 20) followed by a liturgy of Christian burial at 10:00 a.m. in the Church of Divine Mercy (formerly Sts. Peter & Paul Church) in Three Rivers. Burial will follow in St. Thomas Cemetery. Calling hours are Thursday from 4:00- 7:00 p.m. For those wishing, the family requests donations be made in his memory to Quaboag Valley Hospice, 42B Wright St., Palmer 01069. For online guest book, please visit www.beersandstory.com.