David Jens Carlson

David Jens Carlson passed away on August 21, 2026. He was 86 years old. Although David was born in Erie, Pennsylvania, and moved to Denver when he was 13, he considered himself an honorary Colorado Native. He graduated from Denver East High School in 1958 and earned his Bachelor’s degree from University of Colorado. He loved the Colorado Rocky Mountains and all the beauty and adventures the state offered. David’s career spanned several decades working in advertising and marketing in Denver; he retired from Qwest in 1994. David was a gifted woodworker and loved to travel, visiting every continent throughout his lifetime. In retirement, he became an avid bridge player achieving the rank of Silver Life Master. However, his greatest joy was spending time with his grandchildren. David is preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Carole (Occhiato) Carlson and his parents. He is survived by his son Mark Carlson of Denver, his daughter and son-in-law, Krista (Krissie) and John Marotto of Centennial, his beloved grandchildren, Lyla and Tess Carlson, Maria and Carl Marotto; sister, Susan (Ed) Ranum of Windsor, CO, and many lifelong friends.

A celebration of life will be held at Valley Country Club, 14601 Country Club Road, Centennial, Colorado, on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.

• In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to: Friends of Man
• P.O. Box 937 Littleton, CO 80160-0937
• https://friendsofman.org/