Raymond J. Carlstrom, 83, of Crystal Falls, Mich., passed away Monday, March 21, 2011, at Northstar Health System, Iron River, Mich. Raymond was born in Crystal Falls on February 18, 1928, to Oscar and Abbie (Nelson) Carlstrom; the fourth of four children. He graduated from Crystal Falls High School in 1946, and from Northern Michigan University in 1951, with a Bachelor of Science and a Secondary Education Teaching Certificate in Industrial Arts and Drivers Education and Training. He returned to Crystal Falls High School for his student teaching, and then began a career as a Mechanical Engineer for the Department of the Army. His career took him to Picatinny Arsenal in New Jersey where he married Marilyn Heinzer on October 13, 1956, followed by a transfer to the Detroit Tank Arsenal where he retired as an Engineering Supervisor in 1984. He served in the New Jersey Army National Guard 102nd Armored Cavalry Regiment. After retirement they made their home in Fort Myers, Florida until 1997, when they returned to Iron River where he designed and built his own house on Camp Lake. Raymond graced six generations of family and friends with his presence for 83 years. He enjoyed fishing, wood working, building and gardening all of which he learned from his grandparents, parents, brother and sisters then shared with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Surely at least one of these was included in every story he told. On March 21, 2011, Raymond laid down his tools and left his earthly burdens behind. He is survived by his wife Marilyn, daughters MaryBeth and Wendy Jo, granddaughters Janet and Julie, grandson Christopher, and great-granddaughters Hannah and Kaitlynn. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Rodney, and sisters Julianne and Bernice. Funeral services were held for Raymond Carlstrom Thursday, April 7, 2011, with The Reverend Mark Bickson officiating; at Brings Chapel, Tucson, Arizona. Committal with military honors from the Army Honor Guard out of Fort Huachuaca followed at East Lawn Palms Cemetery. The children suggest memorials to United Lutheran Church, Crystal Falls, Mich., for camp scholarships. You may light a candle in remembrance of Raymond or leave a condolence to his family online at www.JacobsFuneralHomes.com The Jacobs-Plowe Funeral Home, Crystal Falls, is serving the family.