Carl Nelson

Uncle Carl - The gentle Giant.  He put me on TV at WTMJ in 1947 or 1948.  He took us fishing in Wisconsin and those were fond memories. We will miss him, but all the memories will remain. God rest his soul.  Kent

I was so happy to meet Uncle Carl in person after hearing much about him from Leif. Uncle Carl was everything he had described and more -- warm, loving and kind, with a wonderfully booming voice and great sense of humor. He was a gentleman with a larger-than-life presence. We always looked forward to our visits with Carl and Lil when they lived in Oregon, knowing there would be lots of laughter and great stories. When Uncle Carl went on to live in California, we continued to share laughs and stories over the phone. In his rich, expressive manner, Carl would describe his life there and the new friends he was making. He always remained upbeat and keenly interested in our lives, even when facing his own life and health challenges. Uncle Carl was a person who thrived on bringing happiness to other people's lives...a true inspiration.

My lasting memory of Uncle Carl will forever be laughter and good times. He could tell jokes and stories better than anyone I've ever known. I remember being a little kid and listening to the party going on in another room at my parents house, while my friend and I were playing Monopoly. Carl started telling a joke with that great booming voice of his, and the place was quiet until he got to the punch line and the place erupted in laughter. We found ourselves laughing just as hard even though we were at the other end of the house! My friend was impressed that I had such a fun loving Uncle. He was often the life of the party with his infectious laugh. I got to know Carl better as an adult when I would visit my parents in Oregon. Carl and Lil were always generous hosts at their place in Florence. Large or small gathering, there was  always good times when Carl was part of the group. He made friends quickly there, and made the transition easier for my parents when they moved to that little town on the Oregon Coast. He was a man who appreciated the good things in life, and I believe he lived a long and happy life as a result. He was a big man with a big heart, and I will miss hearing that great voice of his.

Uncle Carl was the best uncle a guy could ask for. He was larger than life to me and always lived life to its fullest with an incomparable gusto.

I remember when we went up to northern Wisconsin fishing. It was nonstop storytelling and laughter while we cooked the fish we caught over a campfire out on an island in the lake.

My brothers and I always looked forward to family holidays because we knew Carl would bring an extra portion of cheer to the gathering. When Mom and Dad moved to Oregon, we spent every Christmas with Carl and Lil, having a traditional Swedish smorgasbord with many "skols" and shots of akvavit. Dad often pulled out slides from the "old days" and we'd hear hours of stories about their old friends and relatives, and the times when Carl was broadcasting on the radio or the early days of television. Even though the folks were in their 70's or 80's at the time, these gatherings often lasted well past midnight. Nobody wanted the evening to stop because we were having so much fun. 

We all loved Carl dearly and will miss him more than mere words can express. 

I will always remember Carl and his great big smile! He was such a wonderful and caring man. I am a singer who had the pleasure of meeting Carl when I was singing for the residents at Emeritus Loma Linda. Though Carl was one of the oldest residents, he was also one of the sharpest and most fun! He was always quick with a story and because he had worked in broadcasting, he imparted his professional advice often,and giving me lots of support, always saying how I'm going to be a big star someday. Well, Carl was a star, a gracious, caring, & loving guy whom I will miss very much. When he was no longer able to make it down to the lobby, I would always go up to visit him at his room.Sometimes my husband would join me...and we really enjoyed hanging out with him. He would offer my husband a beer, and he would chat about the good old days, and mention how when he felt better, he wanted us to go to dinner with him at Black Angus! Carl was a supper guy, and I will miss our talks and getting to sing for him. My father passed away when I was in my 20's, and my Mom is gone too...and Carl kinda filled that void a little bit. His fatherly advice and encouragement meant a lot to me and I am really going to miss him. God speed Carl, and I love you!