John Carlson

John F. Carlson
February 3, 1951—July 5, 2023
John F. Carlson, 72, departed this life on July 5, 2023 in Tucson, AZ. He was born
February 3, 1951 in Chicago, IL to Harold and Vivian Carlson.
John was the youngest of three siblings and grew up in Chicago, IL. He attended Fenger
High School and went on to graduate from Western Illinois University. He was a long-
time resident of the southwest suburbs of Chicago, most recently of Tinley Park, IL.
While at Western Illinois, John met and became dear friends with Gayle Golden, even
after she poured a glass of water on his head in the student union. It was not until after
college that they began dating and eventually married, starting a family in the suburbs
of Chicago. John had a long career in sales until retiring in 2019 from Kee Safety. To
colleagues and friends alike, he was dependable, diligent, and kind. Most of all, family
was his first priority. He was a devoted husband and loving father who worked hard to
lead, provide for, and care for his family. John was a dedicated member of his church
community and cherished the relationships he had with his church family throughout
the years. He enjoyed spending time with people he loved, playfully teasing and joking
with his family, spending time in the garden, and cheering on the Chicago Bears.
John was preceded in death by his parents; daughter Amanda, infant; and brother Roy
Carlson.
John leaves behind his beloved wife of nearly 47 years, Gayle. He is also survived by his
children, Justin Carlson, Brent Carlson, and Kate (Alex) Miller; grandson Cooper Carlson;
sister Marcia (John) Splinter; sisters-in-law Dayle (John) Rogers and Janet Golden,
brother-in-law John (Rey) Golden as well as many nieces and nephews and dear friends.
Memorial donations may be made in John’s name to Stand Up to Cancer or Bears Care.