Crystal Falls – Shawn M. Carlson, 55, of Crystal Falls and Iron Mountain, Mich., passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, October 1, 2023, at his home.

Shawn was born on August 9, 1968, in Iron Mountain, Mich., the only child of the late Charles and Patricia (Berg) Carlson. He grew up in Crystal Falls and graduated from Forest Park High School in 1986. He graduated summa cum laude from Michigan Technological University in 1991 with a bachelor's degree in Geology.

Shawn was a gifted scientist and worked in diamond, uranium, and other types of mineral exploration throughout the US and internationally, particularly in Canada. He authored and co-authored 38 articles and scientific papers and co-authored the 2013 Minerology of Michigan Update. He was responsible for the discovery of 11% of all mineral species known to occur in Michigan and was involved in the discovery of seven previously unknown minerals.

In recent years, Shawn taught elementary students at Holy Spirit Catholic School in Norway and Bishop Baraga Catholic School in Iron Mountain. His hands-on lessons and seemingly endless scientific knowledge surely made a positive impression on his students.

People who knew Shawn will remember his kindness, his generosity, and his brilliant mind.

He is survived by his loving wife, Audrey Smith; several in-laws, eleven nieces and nephews, several cousins, and devoted friends.

Visitation will be held from 3:00 until 5 p.m., on Tuesday, October 17, 2023, at Jacobs Funeral Home, Iron Mountain, Mich., with Father Michael Chenier reciting prayers at 4:45 p.m.

Friends may leave condolences and tributes for Shawn's family online at www.jacobsfuneralhomes.com

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations may be made to The Trevor Project, Dickinson Trail Network, or any charity that supports science education.

The family has chosen Jacobs Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, Iron Mountain, Mich., to honor Shawn's legacy of life.