Welcome to the memorial page for
Richard E. Carlson
May 3, 1937 ~ August 16, 2015 (age 78) 78 Years Old Light a Candle
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Message from James & Jeanne Newman, Washington, IL
August 29, 2015 12:58 PM
We are sorry to learn of Dick's passing. He was a classmate and looking forward to seeing him at our forthcoming class reunion. We will inform those attending of his recent death and he will be remembered fondly by all who knew him. May the support and concern of others help give you the strength you need from day to day.
Message from Rodney Gasch
August 27, 2015 10:06 AM
Dick was my senior writer when I worked at John Deere and his red pencil did much to improve my writing and thinking skills. (His talents certainly rubbed off on whoever wrote his wonderful obituary.) I appreciated Dick's humor and joy of word play. Of the many cartoons and quotes he had on his office bulletin board I fondly recall "Eschew Obfuscation" and there was "Old age and treachery beat youth and enthusiasm every time."--an important message for the green 20-year-olds he had to mentor. (I now use the saying on my kids.) You could always tell what a great family man he was--very proud Sara and his boys. My thoughts are those sadness, and of thanksgiving that I was lucky enough to be touched by Richard Carlson.
Message from Dick and Peggy Mong
August 21, 2015 11:51 AM
Dear Peter, Andy, Jeff & Eric,
Your Dad & Mom and all of you mean't a lot to me. I always attended Bible Study every Monday morning with your Mom & Dad. We had voluntary lay teachers including your Dad and me. Your Dad was an outstanding teacher as he was obviously filled with the Holy Spirit. I also had the pleasure of having all of you in Sr High Sunday School class. In addition we had all the fun times at many social gatherings. Both your Mom & Dad were Valuable Volunters for First Lutheran and the Geneseo community. May God comfort you all. Love, Peggy & Dick
Your Dad & Mom and all of you mean't a lot to me. I always attended Bible Study every Monday morning with your Mom & Dad. We had voluntary lay teachers including your Dad and me. Your Dad was an outstanding teacher as he was obviously filled with the Holy Spirit. I also had the pleasure of having all of you in Sr High Sunday School class. In addition we had all the fun times at many social gatherings. Both your Mom & Dad were Valuable Volunters for First Lutheran and the Geneseo community. May God comfort you all. Love, Peggy & Dick
Message from Carolyn Stenzel
August 21, 2015 11:49 AM
To Dick's family: I've always known Dick and Sara, and admired how he cared for
her during her illness. A short time after Sara passed, Dick came to the Geneseo
Art League and participated in our activities, and his art work. We enjoyed his talent, his humor, his active participation in the League's activities...including the wearing of
his Bear Suit and Lion Suit for more humor and fun! He was a man of many
talents and had many friends. We will miss is presence, Carolyn Stenzel
her during her illness. A short time after Sara passed, Dick came to the Geneseo
Art League and participated in our activities, and his art work. We enjoyed his talent, his humor, his active participation in the League's activities...including the wearing of
his Bear Suit and Lion Suit for more humor and fun! He was a man of many
talents and had many friends. We will miss is presence, Carolyn Stenzel
Message from Ronnie Vandiver
August 20, 2015 8:08 PM
My heart goes out to you all in the lost of my good friend, pal and mentor your father. Although Dick was 14 years my senior,him and I established a great relationship that lasted 42 years. I will miss him greatly as our monthly chats about the bible, college sports and our favorite baseball were so much fun. You had a great dad and father, as he was kind, funny and very cool. God bless and keep you.
A candle was lit by Ronnie Vandiver
on August 20, 2015 7:45 PM
A SPATHIPHYLLUM was sent on August 20, 2015
Andy, Tess, Holden, Harrison and the entire Carlson Family, My thoughts, prayers and condolences are with you this day and always. May God's peace and love and that of your many friends and family be with you during this time. I am very sorry for your loss. Your friend, Jonathan Nelson
A candle was lit by Jim Kelly
on August 20, 2015 9:34 AM
Message from Gene & Eileen Eiklor
August 20, 2015 8:44 AM
Dick and Sarah have been our neighbors for lo these many years. We always had great times as Friends of the Geneseo Public Library. Bolth of your parents will be sorely missed in the community. God Bless, Gene & Eileen Eiklor
Message from Sherrie Wade
August 20, 2015 7:56 AM
Dick was a friend to all in Deere's Advertising Dept. His talent and quiet nature spoke volumes. Your tribute was a remarkably accurate description of who and what he was. I'm grateful to have had the opportunity to work with him for more than two decades. My sympathy to all the family.
A candle was lit by Janiceheaton
on August 19, 2015 7:59 PM
Message from The Garcia Family
August 19, 2015 7:48 PM
Dearest friends, So sorry for your loss. Just watched memorial video. What great memories. May they live in your hearts and minds for a long time. With deepest sympathy, Trina,Mike,Grayson and Garrett
Message from Kathy WIlliams
August 19, 2015 5:56 PM
Had the privilege of getting to know Dick through Community Chest and Geneseo Art League, and valued his advice and opinions in both organizations. Very nice tribute - fits the man and artist. Will think of him going forward each time I have chocolate and strong coffee, at the same time have a sense of your loss. Best wishes to his family and other associates - think his spirit will always be with us.
Message from Ray and Dee Sterling
August 19, 2015 2:19 PM
When Dick stands before God, He can truly say, I have used every talent you gave me. We will miss you, friend.
Message from Roger Stelk
August 19, 2015 1:05 PM
Dick and I (Peter was there too) were at a Cubs-Cardinals game in Wrigley Field in the early 90s. Knowing Dick grew up in northern Illinois, I asked him how he became a Cardinals fan. Having listened to Cardinals games on the radio as a boy, Dick, referring to Harry Caray (who was the Cardinals play by play man way back in the day) responded, "The man upstairs made me a Cardinals fan". ( Harry Caray was the Cubs announcer by then.) I asked, "God told you to be a Cardinals fan?" Dick laughed and said, "Not that far upstairs, just the upstairs of the ball park".
A candle was lit by The Elrod Family
on August 19, 2015 12:35 PM
Message from The Elrod Family
August 19, 2015 12:34 PM
Although we did not know Dick, we knew his son & his family. We are certain that a man who raised Andy had to be a loyal, honest and deeply caring. This man, must have instilled the value of family and love into his children. This man must have walked a faith that provided the nuturing of soul, because we have witnessed this in his family. Although we did not know the father, we know the son and therefore we know the love.
We pray for peace for the family and the grace of our Lord to be with you.
We pray for peace for the family and the grace of our Lord to be with you.
A candle was lit by Michael Gustafson
on August 19, 2015 10:11 AM
Message from Michael Gustafson
August 18, 2015 6:17 PM
Dick was my first manager at John Deere when I started there in 1984. I was so lucky to have drawn that straw. He helped me navigate the policies and politics of Deere and helped me improve my writing skills and develop a 'voice.' But more than anything, he treated me with respect and kindness. My prayer is that I can continue in his ways ... with love, caring and life purpose. Rest in peace, my dear friend.
A candle was lit by Janine Persefield
on August 18, 2015 5:58 PM
Message from Jeff McCullough
August 18, 2015 4:19 PM
Writing, art, jazz, Cards - a rennaissance man. Always good for an interesting conversation. He touched many lives and will be remembered as a kind and gentle man. Condolences.
Message from Kelly Hanell
August 18, 2015 3:54 PM
To Dick's Family,
From the wonderful tribute you have written, you know how unique, kind, considerate, intelligent, talented (and many other adjectives) your dad was. I worked with Dick in Advertising for most of my life, and he was always a joy be around. People like him make life worthwhile and he certainly lived a full life himself. Sympathies to all of you and treasure the great memories of him.
From the wonderful tribute you have written, you know how unique, kind, considerate, intelligent, talented (and many other adjectives) your dad was. I worked with Dick in Advertising for most of my life, and he was always a joy be around. People like him make life worthwhile and he certainly lived a full life himself. Sympathies to all of you and treasure the great memories of him.
Message from Clair Peterson
August 18, 2015 3:36 PM
Wayne is correct--the eyes are the same kind ones we all got used to seeing in the hallways of Deere. It reminds how special a place that was and how every individual there added so much to the collective good vibe. Dick was a good, kind man and your moving obituary was a wonderful tribute. He'd be (and is) proud.
Message from Mike DeSmet
August 18, 2015 3:34 PM
Fond memories......Rest in Peace my Friend
Message from Patti Rippel
August 18, 2015 3:05 PM
I worked with Dick for a few years in advertising ans I always appreciated both his patience and his quick wit.
Message from Wayne and Judy Burkart
August 18, 2015 3:05 PM
The kindness displayed in his eyes in the official photo were the same eyes I saw whenever we spoke, both professionally or when passing in the hallway at work.
They say people will always remember how a person made them feel. Dick only knew how to make us feel worthy with his kind acceptance. I only regret that, back then, I was too young and didn't know enough to walk over to his office just for the heck of it. Now I have the perspective to know what I was missing out on. Good vibes. Nothing but good vibes. Thanks you, Dick.
Wayne Burkart
They say people will always remember how a person made them feel. Dick only knew how to make us feel worthy with his kind acceptance. I only regret that, back then, I was too young and didn't know enough to walk over to his office just for the heck of it. Now I have the perspective to know what I was missing out on. Good vibes. Nothing but good vibes. Thanks you, Dick.
Wayne Burkart
Message from Rollie Holoubek
August 18, 2015 2:48 PM
Dick was my first boss at Deere & Company when I started in the Advertising Dept. in 1979. He was always a good teacher on the right way to do things and understanding when my work was a bit short of expectations. A very unique man and so sorry for your loss.
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