Leonard “Buck” Carlstrom of Siren, Wisconsin, died peacefully on March 11, 2019 at the age of 87 following a challenging battle with Alzheimer’s. Born June 11, 1931 to a Swedish couple, Esther and Andrew Carlstrom, he was the 4th of 6 children. Buck lived his entire childhood in Superior where he developed a lifetime interest in school, sports and the outdoors.

After graduating from Superior Central High School, he earned a double major from Superior State in biology and education. Buck served in the U.S. Army Laboratory Center, Maryland, where he was also on the baseball team. After discharge, Buck worked as a pharmaceutical rep in the Northern California mountain region, where he pursued his love of skiing and fishing. He married Norma Quam from Superior while teaching in Carmichael, CA and completed a master’s degree from the University of Oregon.

The family moved back to their roots of Wisconsin in 1967. For many years Buck taught and coached in Grantsburg, WI. Summers found the family in the Barnes, WI, Upper Eau Claire Lake area where Buck was active in environmental groups and outdoor pursuits.

He passed his love of canoeing, trips to the Boundary Waters and the Quetico to his family. In Grantsburg, he was one of the original members of the Grantsburg Ridge Runners and ran in local races and Grandma’s marathon.

Buck is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Norma; children: Karen Sherstad (Sid), Jane Wagner (Mark), Linda McCormick (Kevin), Julie Sabin and Len Carlstrom (Jennie); grandchildren: Darrin, Kimberly, Jack, Kristina, Rachel, Jennifer, Tara and Satchel; great-grandchildren: Naomi, Haddie, Dallas, Augustine and Henry. Buck is also survived by two sisters, Leona Lindberg (Gordon) and Leola Gappa; brother in law, Peter Quam (Karen Lee).

A Celebration of Buck’s life is planned for Saturday, March 23, 2019 at 1:00 PM (visitation from 12:00 - 1:00 PM) at Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home in Webster. Memorials may be sent to Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home, c/o Carlstrom Family, P.O. Box 6, Webster, WI 54893.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home, Webster.

Last Update: Mar 14, 2019 11:38 am CDT