September 29, 1946 – October 25, 2025

Donald Edward “Don” Carlsen, 79, of Chico, California passed away peacefully on October 25, 2025. Don grew up in Pleasant Hill and Walnut Creek, California. He attended Oak Grove Elementary School, Las Lomas High School, and Chico State University where he graduated with a degree in accounting. While studying accounting, Don also played football, baseball, and rugby. He was a dedicated student athlete who was later inducted into the Chico State Hall of Fame.

Don had two very successful careers. He rose through the ranks in accounting with the Butte County Office of Education where he ended his career as the assistant superintendent in charge of finance. Don was a stickler for details and managed his budget to the penny. Don’s other exciting and successful career was with the National Football League as a side judge. He worked his way up to the NFL through years spent officiating high school, Big Sky, and Pac 10 games. Don valued those experiences and the great people who mentored and befriended him along the way. Don’s 24 year career with the NFL saw him working approximately 480 games with many postseason assignments. He enjoyed the excitement of game day, his friendships with fellow officials, and the work involved in being a consummate professional.

Don had a passionate commitment to Chico State. He served as president of the Chico State Alumni Association for several years. In that role, he spent his energy on fundraising, scholarships, and promoting Chico State events. He also served on many committees. Don was very involved with Chico State athletics. He was a member of the Chico State Athletics Hall of Fame committee as well as serving on boards for Chico alumni football and rugby. Don was awarded the Chico State Distinguished Alumni Service Award as a testament to his impact across athletics, education, and community service at Chico State.

Don had boundless energy. In addition to his professional endeavors, he loved to spend time with family and friends. His hobbies included golf, travel, working out, Hawaii vacations, and spending time at the log cabin he built at Lake Almanor. One of Don’s many gifts was his ability to maintain friendships. He was always planning get togethers and reaching out to people. Don loved a party with good friends, good food, and Cuba Libres!

Don’s number one priority in life was his family. He was a very proud father and grandfather. Don was preceded in death by his father Carl and mother Lorraine Carlsen. He is survived by his loving wife Cindy, daughter Kristy and her husband Chris Capozzo, son Kyle, his wife Roxanne, and their beautiful daughter Rae. Don is also survived by his twin brother Richard and his wife Cathy, and his sister Pamela and her daughter Kathryn. In addition, he is survived by his stepchildren Michelle and her husband Aaron Landreth, Christina and her husband Ali Beheshti, Bertrand and his wife Trang Ithurburn, Robert and his wife Alysia Ithurburn, and their six children who adored “Papa Don”.

A memorial to honor Don will be held at Canyon Oaks Country Club on November 16th from 12:00-3:30 in the afternoon. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Chico State Athletics.