Richard E. Carlson

On the afternoon of Sunday August 16, 2015, our family surrendered another loving member into God’s embrace when the generous heart of our father stopped.  Richard Earl Carlson, 78, of Geneseo, softly eased into His care with the support of his sons, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, a very close friend, and dedicated medical professionals.  A funeral service celebrating Dick’s life will be held at 10:30am on Friday August 21st at First Lutheran Church, Geneseo. Rev. Al Beck will officiate. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery, Geneseo.  Visitation for Dick will be on Thursday August 20th from 4-7 p.m. at Vandemore Funeral Homes in Geneseo.  Memorials may be left to First Lutheran Church, in Dick’s honor, or the Geneseo Food Pantry.   

By now, his wife Sara, friends, relatives and other Saints have welcomed Dick.  They are asking whether the tomatoes are ripe in his garden, have the sunflowers blossomed, will the Cardinals win the World Series again, how goes his painting and art projects, or is he ready for some insightful discussions on the Scriptures.  Cats, dogs, and other furry, four-legged creatures are rubbing against his legs asking for attention. We who are left behind are inspired by his example, and will strive to walk his same path of kindness, Godliness, humor, compassion, and passion.  We are comforted that the very last words he heard, before he drew his last breath, were verses being read from the Carmina Gadelica, from his own notated prayer book:  “The glorious gold-bright sun was rising on the crests of the great hills . . . , like the glory of God.  It was dancing up and down in exultation at the joyous resurrection of the beloved Savior of victory.”  Although we rejoice in your victory over death, we miss you already, and for now, we will think of you often, and look forward to our future reunion. 

Dick was born on May 3, 1937, in Kewanee, IL, the son of Earl R. and Sophie M. (Machorasky) Carlson.  He was a graduate of Wethersfield High School in Kewanee, and a 1960 graduate of the University of Illinois with a degree in art and design.  He was a professional writer, communicator and advertising executive, primarily for Deere & Company, for 40 years. 

Dick was an active member of First Lutheran Church for more than 40 years.  He was active in many Ministries and committees, including most anything related to young people, stewardship and evangelism.  His passion for art and painting was re-ignited after his retirement from full-time work and that passion sustained him after his wife’s passing.  His artistic skill and flair were recognized by others, including his series of paintings of Abraham Lincoln, displayed by request at numerous venues.  He was active in local organizations such as the Kiwanis and the Geneseo Art League and its RA members.  In the past he served on the library board and the community chest, and supported many other local organizations. 

Survivors include his four sons:  Peter (Susan) Carlson of Palatine, IL; Andy (Tess) of Kenosha, WI; Jeffrey (Kristin) Carlson of Glenwood, CO; and Erik (Amy) Carlson of Homewood, IL; and seven grandchildren:  Tyler, Riley, Holden, Harrison, Isabel, Isaac and Sydney.

Dick loved without restraint.  God, his wife, his children, grandchildren and his multitude of friends.  He loved his daughters-in-law, who become his daughters.  He was sweet, gentle and generous.  He loved jazz and painting.  Being a small town Midwestern, half-Polish kid growing up in the 1940s, he admired Stan Musial and the Cardinals, and of course raised four sons the same way.  He enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren participate in their activities.  He was a proud member of the Phi Kappa Tau fraternity (Zeta chapter University of Illinois).  Similar to Sara, he liked chocolate (or least learned to appreciate its powers), and provided it to any heath care professional treating him, especially those who could stick him with sharp needles.  He loved to write (and was the best in the family, bar none).  He loved bookstores and reading, especially mysteries and spiritual literature.    He loved Hillermans’ southwest, especially Monument Valley and Ghost Ranch.  He loved Colorado’s aspens and Geneseo’s maple trees in the fall.  He loved cooking and was very good at it, especially New Orleans inspired dishes.  He loved to bake, especially Christmas cookies and sourdough bread from his 40+ year old starter.  He loved making beignets to eat along with mimosas.  He never missed a parade and loved zoos and museums, especially the Chicago Art Museum.  Carrying on a family tradition begun by his mother, he was always clipping newspaper articles to send to a son or grandchild.  He loved Crazy Shirts, Kliban Cats, and purposely wearing mismatched socks that had wild designs.  He liked red wine – only for its medicinal qualities he said.  And like any well respecting Swedish Lutheran, he liked a hot cup of strong coffee and good conversation.  He was skilled in the art of making chalk paintings.  He loved playing games with his grandchildren, especially the pirate treasure board game that he designed and created.  He was humorous and humble – sure enough to wear a real pumpkin on his head at Halloween, a bear costume when needed, play with puppets at church as part of a children’s’ drama production, and make six foot four inch snow angels.  He maintained his inner child throughout, approached life with utter joy, and infected those around with the same joy.  No more loyal spouse, father, grandfather, companion, friend or neighbor could be found.

Dick was preceded in death by his wife Sara, his only brother Dean, and his parents.

Dick’s family thanks his new chocolate-loving friends at Genesis Hospital Davenport, especially all of his ICU nurses (Traci, Teresa, Sue, Morgan, Brittany, and everyone else we are unable to specifically name), the staff, and the doctors, especially Dr. Atwell.  You helped him battle and he almost beat the infections.  We are only sorry that you did not get to know him when he was healthy.  Thank you also to his other doctors and caregivers who treated in the past for non-emergency reasons.  He greatly appreciated your care. 

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