Russell Gunnar Carlson, 86, of Lake in the Hills, formerly of Huntley, died peacefully on November 26, 2023, with his family by his side.
Russell was born in Chicago on March 12, 1937, to parents Gunnar and Gunhild (nee Flodberg) Carlson. He married Anna Mae Berglund on December 1, 1956, after the pair met at church. Together they raised their four children in Mount Prospect where they were actively involved with Northwest Assembly of God Church. Russell was especially grateful to have the opportunity to help build houses and orphanages in El Salvadore with other members of the church. Russell was the owner of Carlson Metal Specialties, a CNC machine shop in Wheeling Illinois. He ran the business until his retirement in 2002. Russell loved to work with his hands and was a skilled woodworker. He could make anything you wanted or needed and spent countless hours in his basement woodshop. He was a proud veteran of the United States Navy and was honored to serve his country. Russell enjoyed westerns and cheering on the Chicago Bears. He was a selfless man who always put other first. He will be missed dearly by all who knew him.
Russell is survived by his beloved wife, Anna Mae Carlson, his children, Mark (Kenny Corrigan) Carlson, Michael Carlson, Mindy (Peter) Collins, and Tim (Gillian) Carlson, his grandchildren, John, Kristen (Daniel), Andrew, Ellis, and Max, his great-grandchildren, Arthur and Noelle, his siblings, Virginia Oliver, and Beverly (Reverend Dan) Sneed, and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and his sister, Barbara Carlson.
Burial will be private for the family at Ridgewood Memorial Park in Des Plaines.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Russell’s name can be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation https://www.parkinson.org/
For further information, please contact the DeFiore Funeral Home 847-515-8772
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So very sorry to hear of the Carlson family’s loss. Mr. Carlson was a wonderful next door neighbor to my family for many years in Mt Prospect. He was always so great to us kids & once in awhile we’d get a ride in the back of his pickup truck. It’s part of the reason I have always loved pickups and have one to this day.
To my family, my brother will be missed by us very much. He was s terrific brother/in law who loved very much and showed it. We will miss u Russ. Love u!
So sorry to hear of your loss. We both have so many fond memories of Russ. The musical programs at Northwest where he used his many skills for God’s glory. The Bears games that you so kindly asked Paul to attend with Marty. He was a great man of God and we look forward to seeing him again when we all enter His presence.
Our deepest condolences to the whole family.
Our condolences to Anna Mae and all the family. May God bless you with the finest of memories.
Dear Tim and Gill, so sorry for your loss and know these are difficult times for all. Sending you love and energy. Wonderful obituary. It clearly reflected his many gifts and talents shared with many. Kind Regards and love, Roz
Russ and I have been long-time friends since his days in Chicago at Philadelphia Church and Carlson Metal on Clark St. He was always energenic and a consistent example of godliness. I know he was greeted in paradise by a large gathering of family and friends. The book of James reminds us that this life passes as quickly as a vapor.