Benny Wilhelm Carlson

Benny Wilhelm Carlson passed away after a long illness at the age of 81, on April 10, 2024, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Benny was born in Sweden to Vilnar and Martha Karlsson on January 28, 1943. Upon obtaining U.S. Citizenship in 1967, he changed his name from Bent-Goran Vilhelm Karlsson. Benny moved to Las Vegas when he was 17 years old and resided with family. He entered the U.S. Army at 22 years of age and was trained as an artillery surveyor with secret clearance. Subsequently, he attended the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Hotel College, majoring in Hospitality. Benny had a life-long and fulfilling career in the hospitality industry, working at several Las Vegas venues including the Sahara, Tropicana, and Mint Hotels. Over 21 years at the Sahara Hotel, he worked in nearly all kitchen positions including Pantry, Fry, Roast, Sauce, Poisson, Bake Shop, and Butcher Shop. This led to promotions to Banquet Chef, Catering and Convention Director and ultimately Director of Food and Beverage. He hosted President and Governor Ronald Regan several times; and coordinated the nationally televised Jerry Lewis Telethon for Muscular Dystrophy many times. (True to his culinary roots, he rarely missed an opportunity to cook for family, friends, and special occasions.) Additionally, he was a partner in Trinity Convention Services and a Kitchen Design Consultant for Wyndham Hotels in Florida. Most recently with his never retire attitude, he was a partner in MBA Partners, lending his skills to Insurance, Accounting, and Tax Services. He was a truly a multi-talented individual. He mentored students from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas Hotel College. Later, his love of the "Bake Shop" led to his ownership of several local bakeries and delicatessens. Benny also had an entrepreneurial spirit engaging in wholesaling, energy systems and more. He was always open to and excited by new ideas. Benny was kind in spirit and action never speaking an ill word of anyone. With great respect and joy, he cultivated "forever" friends and he remembered everyone. He was generous with his knowledge and time, and was "uplifting " to all who crossed his path. Always available to lend a helping hand, he was recognized by the community for his many charitable contributions. Benny was preceded in death by his former wife, Helen Kay Taylor of Las Vegas, his parents and Brother, Karl. He is survived by his Brother, Par Anders (Britta), Brother, Hakan (Anita), Sister, Gunilla (Don), and Sister-in-Law, Lotta (Karl), all of Sweden. He is survived by his sons, Michael and John Andrew, and grandsons, Christian and Jacob. Benny is also survived by the love of his life, his partner of 26 years, Cheryl McPike, her four daughters, and 18 grandchildren, all of Las Vegas. Benny was baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and became an active member. The viewing will be held on April 29, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. with the service at 10:00 a.m. at the LDS Church at 3200 North Mustang Street. The burial will follow at 12:00 p.m. and will be held at the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery at 1900 Veterans Memorial Drive, Boulder City, Nevada 89005.

Benny Wilhelm Carlson

January 28, 1943 - April 9, 2024