Dave Karlson

It is with great joy and sorrow that we announce that Dave Karlson punched his train ticket to
glory at 11:00 am on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at home surrounded by his loving family. He was
85 years old.
David Arthur "Dave" Karlson was born on July 14, 1940, in Brooklyn, New York, to Arthur and
Eunice Karlson. Dave attended the University of Florida and later earned his Bachelor's Degree
in Math and General Studies from Rollins College. Dave enjoyed a long and fulfilling career with
AT&T, where he worked both in the field and in management. His career included significant
projects at Disney and Kennedy Space Center.
Dave’s life was deeply enriched by his family. He is survived by his beloved wife of forty-eight
years, Brenda McBrayer Karlson; his sister Marge Edwards; his children Karen Munion
(George), Nancy Thurmond (Tom), Paul Karlson, Anna Horton (Andy), and Sara Mosser (Jay).
He was also a proud grandfather to ten wonderful grandchildren: Jacob and Justin Munion;
Maddie and Dakota Bloom; Gideon Horton; Ben Beady, Bailey, Luke, Maleah, and Judson
Mosser. Dave’s parents, Arthur and Eunice Karlson, preceded him in death.
Dave loved his family and friends, cats, trains, old Buicks, riding on his tractor, working out at
the gym, spending time with his grandchildren, and meticulously crafting his model railroad.
Known for his attention to detail, Dave could fix just about anything. He always had a beautiful
yard with flowers and the greenest grass around.
Dave loved Jesus and was an active member of Northlake Baptist Church in Gainesville,
Georgia for almost 40 years where he passionately served as a Sunday School teacher, a
Yokefellow, participated in the food pantry ministry, drove the church bus to assist shut-ins, and
contributed wherever help was needed. Dave had a love for sharing the Gospel with everyone
he met—friends or strangers alike—and took great joy in inviting people to church and he
wanted Heaven to be crowded.
Dave will be remembered not only for his faith but also for his humor and warmth. He never met
a stranger and always had a good joke ready to share. His outgoing nature left a lasting
impression on those who knew him.
His legacy of love for Jesus, family, church, laughter, and service will continue to inspire those
whose lives he touched.
A celebration of Dave's life will be held at Northlake Baptist Church in Gainesville, GA at 4 pm on
Sunday, April 26th with visitation from 2:00 to 4:00 PM with the service to follow.
Gifts may be made in memory of Dave to the following:
Northlake Baptist Church Building Fund
https://northlake.onechurchsoftware.com/public/give/1
International Mission Board; Advanced Level Security Training
https://www.imb.org/give/project/advanced-level-security-
training/?projectCodePreselect=LMC1201316

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