Robert "Bob" Carlsen II

Some people are hard to describe in a couple paragraphs. Bob Carlsen of Milton, NC is one of those people. I think we can all agree on a few things though; he was a prankster, a hard worker, a great father, exceptional grandfather, a loving husband and the type of person that you don’t find very often in life. There is no arguing that Bob was a prankster. His favorite prank was called “snake in a bag”. You can probably figure out what happened with that one. It literally was a snake in a bag. He always had a way to make a person smile. From a joke, a funny story or a hidden spider in the newly remodeled bathroom he had to show everyone. Even into the last days of his life he still had a smile on his face and a laugh to share. Bob learned a lot of lessons throughout life like love at first sight does exist. Bob learned this when he first saw his wife, Bonnie, on New Year’s Eve. That love at first sight turned into everlasting love and they were blessed with 59 years of marriage. He often said, “she was the most beautiful girl I’ld ever seen and still is.” If you knew Bob then you have heard him talk about his children, Bobby, Sean and Libby. He was proud of them for becoming Christians, being great parents and for the amazing children they raised. Some of his favorite memories came from family volleyball games in the pool. When it came to parenting, Bob felt like he did it right. Bob lived a great life. When he was younger he would get off late from work and drive to the beach with friends just to sleep in the car until sunrise when it was time to find the best surfing waves. He moved near Mabry Mill in Meadows of Dan where he felt like his Christian life really grew and came to the belief that he was capable of doing anything through the grace of God. He was on his way to Woodstock but his buddy’s truck broke down in Floyd, Virginia. His love for the Lord helped him save his brother and sisters. He built a house out of wood sourced from old tobacco barns where his sons pulled more nails then they drove. At one job Bob created a hidden area among the toilet paper boxes in the storage room so he could read his Bible when he was waiting for his ride home from work. Bob used his job as an electrician to help and bless people from many walks of life. He truly believed in the phrase ‘it’s never too late’ and embodied that when he became a professional axe thrower in his seventies, earning a world ranking of 119 and throwing in the World Championships during his first year competing. He believed if there was a will there was a way and that family was the most important thing because when life is over it’s over and all the other things won’t matter. The legacy Bob leaves behind is more profound than he could ever imagine, including his 9 grandchildren Summer Carlsen, Savannah Carlsen, Piper Carlsen, Michael Carlsen, Kris Carlsen, Carter Boon, Tanner Boon, Spencer Boon and Parker Boon. When you met him you couldn’t help but notice the inner joy and light he shared with everyone around him. So be like Bob. Pick up your Bible, share love and joy to those around you, remember it’s never too late, listen to more Bob Dylan and “be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to grow angry.” Wrenn-Yeatts Funeral Homes, North Main Chapel is respectfully serving the family.

Robert "Bob" Carlsen II

September 8, 1948 - April 27, 2026