CARLSTROM, Marshall Andrew, 74, Presque Isle, September 17, 2014. Arrangements are under the care of Duncan-Graves Funeral Home, Presque Isle.
PRESQUE ISLE – Marshall Andrew Carlstrom passed away with his loving wife by his side on September 17, 2014, after a hard fought battle with pancreatic cancer. He was born at home, T16 R4, on July 7, 1940, the youngest of five children to Andrew Herman Carlstrom and Edythe Lenora Anderson Carlstrom.
“Mort” was first educated at the Stockholm two-room school house and then at Caribou High School. He spent many happy summers at Madawaska Lake at the family camp surrounded by cousins and relatives and spent many harvests picking potatoes with them too. He moved to Presque Isle in 1960 to work for various farmers, then as a driver for Coca Cola and finally for Goan’s Electric Shop, Inc. He became owner of Goan’s from 1982 until his retirement in 2003. After two months of boredom, he began working at Marden’s until 2013.
Most of Mort’s family predicted he would be a lifelong bachelor, but he married on June 14, 1985, to their great surprise. He travelled with his wife to Ireland, throughout Canada, the U.S. and on a few cruises, but preferred to stay where he was most at home, in the County. Mort was very proud of his Swedish ancestry and claim of being 100% Swedish. He was also an avid New York Yankees fan and loved ribbing any Red Sox supporters. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, but would always return home with more stories than game or fish.
Mort was a member of the Elks Lodge, was very involved in his parish and with the Knights of Columbus Council 2524, 4th degree, in Presque Isle. He would also help the Daughters of Isabella and became known as an “ornery” member, when they needed some muscle for a fundraiser. He took part in a Cursillo weekend and also was involved in the ACTS retreats, serving on team from time to time. He enjoyed these immensely and sorely missed them when he was too sick to go. Many thanks go to the members of these organizations for their help throughout Mort’s illness, especially Ed Page, who became his chauffeur and handy man, to members of the ACTS community for the support they gave at a moment’s notice and to all of the friends and family that gave their help and support as he needed them. It was greatly appreciated. Mort particularly enjoyed the “care” packages that arrived once a month from C-A-N-C-E-R, the baked goods were delicious and the gifts the children made were eagerly anticipated.
Mort was predeceased by his parents; two sisters, Helen Carlstrom, and Anne Carlstrom Lennon and her husband, Ronald Lennon, Sr.; one brother, Herman Carlstrom and his wife, Roberta Cushman Carlstrom; and a brother-in-law, William Manduca.
He is survived by his wife, Stella Bois Carlstrom; one sister, Catherine Carlstrom Manduca; mother-in-law, Claudette Boyer Bois; brother-in-law, Richard Bois and his wife, Loriann Pelkey Bois; sister-in-law, Lynn Bois Arculeo and her husband, James Arculeo; many nieces, nephews and cousins.
We would like to thank the nurses and staff at EMMC and TAMC for the wonderful care they provided, their compassion was a tremendous comfort to Mort.
Calling hours were held in the Narthex at St. Mary’s Church, Presque Isle, on Friday, September 19, 2014, from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated 10 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church, Parish of the Precious Blood, Presque Isle, on Saturday, September 20, 2014. A reception followed the Mass at the K of C Hall located behind the church.
Donations in Mort’s memory may be made to Parish of the Precious Blood, PO Box 625, Caribou, ME 04769; C-A-N-C-E-R, PO Box 811, Presque Isle, ME 04769; or Maine Cancer Foundation, Relay for Life, 170 US Route 1, Suite 250, Falmouth, ME 04105. Online condolences may be expressed at www.duncan-graves.com.
