Dennis Ariel Carlson, 76, of Middletown, VA, passed away on Thursday, May 29, 2025, at Winchester Medical Center.

Dennis was born in 1948 in Alta, IA, the son of Betty Mae Carlson and the late Ariel Robert Carlson. He was a graduate of Fairview High School in Boulder, CO, and went on to earn his Associate’s Degree in Applied Science – Industrial Mechanical Drafting Technology from the Community College of Denver. Dennis served our country during the Vietnam War in the United States Marine Corps, rising to the rank of SGT. He retired after 33 years of service as a principal buyer for Northrop Grumman (formerly Orbital Sciences).

He married Jane Margaret Banks on June 21, 1980, in Boulder, CO.

Dennis enjoyed mountain views, motorcycles, golf, computers and gadgets of all kinds, photography and often winning when playing Rummy with his family.

He was a wonderful husband, father and friend.

Dennis is survived by his wife, Jane; daughter, Meredith Joann Noble (Fred) of Elk River, MN; sons, Christopher Robert Ludka (Lora Baumgartner) of Reston, VA, Matthew Dennis Carlson of Sterling, VA, Alan Jeffrey Rumney, Jr. (Sarah) of Leesburg, VA, grandchildren, Brieanne Ashley Neese (Christopher) of Otsego, MN, Amber Marie Gallaway of Elks River, MN, Jacob Richard Baker of Kissimmee, FL, and Ryan Andrew Baker of Elk River, MN; great-grandchildren, Noelle Elaine Neese of Otsego, MN, Sophie Jane Neese of Otsego, MN, and Delilah Anne Neese of Otsego, MN; brothers, Richard Lee Carlson of Blackhawk, SD, and Greg Alan Carlson of Blackhawk, SD, and his canine companions, Cooper and Gabbie.

In addition to his father, Dennis is preceded in death by his brother, Tommy Carlson.

A service will be held for Dennis on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at 11 AM at Omps Funeral Home, Amherst Chapel.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the American Cancer Society, plant a tree via the website A Living Tribute which will plant a tree in Colorado, or Plant Memorial Tree; or to an organization of your choosing.