OSAGE CITY, Kan. – Robert Lee “Butch” Carlson Jr., 70, passed away Tuesday, Nov. 2, 2021, of a broken heart at his home surrounded by family and friends. Robert was born Aug. 13, 1951, in Osage City, Kan., the son of Robert Lee and Wilma (Hasty) Carlson Sr.
One of the biggest questions of Butch’s life was where he got the nickname “Butch”. The answer to this trivia question is that his mom, Wilma, saw a cartoon of a little boy wearing overalls (just like Butch) that reminded her of Butch’s mannerisms and personality.
Butch graduated from Osage City High School in 1969.
He was joined in marriage to Julie Hafenstein, Dec. 11, 1976, in Osage City. To this union, two children were born, Shawn and Conrad.
Butch was a lifelong resident of Osage City. He worked for Del Monte Foods as an awesome forklift operator for 15 years, then Doric Concrete Vaults with his buddy, Dale Keezer, and finally Mussatto Brothers Budweiser. He also assisted his brother-in-law, David “Haffy” Hafenstein, and his company DL Hafenstein Construction, doing various tedious carpentry jobs throughout the years. This says a lot about his personality, as it takes a lot of patience to work with Haffy.
He will be forever remembered by his wife, Julie, of the home; son, Shawn (Haley) Carlson, of St. George, Kan.; two sisters, Stella Dorr and Bernadine (Phil) Faulkner, all of Osage City; three brothers, Larry Carlson and Danny (Betty) Carlson, all of Topeka, and Alan (Patty) Carlson, Osage City; and his pride and joy, his grandsons, Karter Lee and Konrad Gavin.
Butch’s passions included playing both men’s and co-rec softball well in to his 40s. If anyone watched Butch play softball and run the bases, you knew his real personality – aggressive and competitive. He also was passionate about watching the Royals, Wildcats, and Chiefs (in that order). Above all, Butch was the biggest fan of his sons and grandsons and attending their events was the highlight of his week. Butch and Julie never missed a game or program, and have adopted several of their grandson’s buddies as surrogate grandchildren.
Butch was preceded in death by his parents; and on Aug. 1, 2002, Butch’s heart was broken in two as he lost his youngest son, Conrad.
Graveside service will be 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 6, at Osage City Cemetery.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Conrad Carlson Charitable Foundation and sent in care of VanArsdale Funeral Chapel, 107 N. Sixth St., Osage City, KS 66523. Condolences can be left at vanarsdalefs.com.
