Paul James Carlson, 67, of Tama, passed away, Thursday, March 6, 2014 at his home in Tama. A Memorial Service will be held Wednesday, March 12, 2014 at 10:30 AM at Living Faith United Methodist Church in Tama with Pastor Brian Oliver officiating. Interment will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in Tama. A Memorial Visitation will be held Tuesday, March 11, 2014 from 5-7 PM at Kruse-Phillips Funeral Home in Tama.

Paul was born on May 1, 1946 in Grinnell, Iowa, the son of Harold and Alta (Grier) Carlson.
He graduated from South Tama High School in 1964.
On September 21, 1968, he was united in marriage to Irene Jeanette Van De Walle in Tama. Paul worked for Mid American Energy Maintenance Shop in Waterloo retiring in 2008. Paul was a member of Living Faith United Methodist Church in Tama, Hiram of Tyre #118 Masonic Lodge, and a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association. His hobbies included woodworking, metal working and being an avid reader. Paul's greatest enjoyment was spending time with his family.
Preceding him in death were his parents; and his wife, Irene on January 29, 2009.
Survivors include five children, Gary (Abby) Carlson of Chesapeake, VA, Diane (Matt) Kesl of Tama, Linda (Joe) Clark of Atkins, Sharon (Steve) Dieke of West Des Moines and Sheryl (Dan) Thornton of Johnston; fourteen grandchildren; four siblings, Doug (Sharon) Carlson of Boring, OR, George (Solveig) Carlson of Stoughton, WI, Carl (Alice) Carlson of Omaha, NE, and Carol (Gary) Thien of Council Bluffs; along with many nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be directed to Mayo Clinic or American Cancer Society.