Dean J. Carlson of Wesley Chapel, Florida, passed away while receiving hospice care in Zephyrhills on Tuesday, September 29, 2026. Born on July 7, 1946, in Decorah, Iowa, he was the son of Arthur H. Carlson and Frances (Hayes) Carlson. Dean was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, cherished in the communities he called home (Grafton, Wisconsin, where he lived for most of his life before relocating to Florida). Dean graduated from Regis High School in 1964 and earned his undergraduate degree from Upper Iowa University in Fayette, Iowa. He worked for E.R. Wagner Manufacturing for 30+ years before retiring as an Operations Manager at their Hustisford, WI, plant in 2002.

Upon his retirement, Maxine and Dean relocated to Wesley Chapel, FL, to be closer to their son and his family. During his retirement, he enjoyed playing golf, working as a starter at the local golf course, taking cruises, spending time with family and friends, and, most importantly, being the best “papa” to his grandson, Christian, whom he adored and called “papa’s bud.” He was passionate about all sports in Wisconsin, whether it was the Milwaukee Bucks, Milwaukee Brewers, Green Bay Packers, Wisconsin Badgers, or Marquette Warriors. Prior to his retirement, he and Maxine would travel throughout the US on their Harley-Davidson.

Dean is survived by his loving wife of 57+ years, Maxine (Broxey) Carlson, whom he married in the fall of 1969. He also leaves behind a son, Scott A. Carlson (Laura), and three grandchildren, Christian Carlson (17), Caya Carlson (23), and Coral Carlson (29), as well as several great-grandchildren. He is survived by his sister, Jacki Moore of Savannah, Georgia, and his brother, Mark Carlson of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, as well as nieces and nephews, Lisa (Cover) Loya (Joe), Tracey (Cover) Sargent (Mark), Molly O’Brien (Shane), Monica (Carlson) Freiburger and her husband Dan Freiburger, and Matt Carlson (Hillary), along with several great-nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life “open house” will be held at the Lexington Oaks Community Clubhouse, located at 26304 Lexington Oaks Blvd., Wesley Chapel, FL 33544, on Saturday, October 17, 2026, from 2pm to 5pm. This is a very casual celebration, and the preferred attire is shorts and flip-flops. The family asks that you come to share your favorite “Deaner” stories and come as you are. No flowers, please. If you want to make a donation, please consider donating to the Junior Golf Program of Tampa Bay by contacting Jan Johnson @ 727-808-0382 or via email juniorgolfcluboftampabay@gmail.com.