John W Carlson, age 83, of Loves Park, Illinois passed away on Monday, March 16, 2026. He was born on September 21, 1942 to Walter and Ada (Forschen) Carlson in St Cloud, Minnesota. John married the love of his life, Kristine Swick, on May 6, 1972 in Rockford, Illinois. He worked for many years as a machinist at Rockford Products Corp.
John enjoyed woodworking, every one of his grandchildren slept in a cradle he created with the help of his wife. He enjoyed camping and bowling. John was a girls’ softball and basketball coach for years. He remodeled their entire house by himself. He was involved with the Harlem Community Center and the Haunted House he would host. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family.
John is survived by his wife of 53 years, Kristine Carlson; children, Dennis (Tricia) Carlson, Todd Carlson, Jennifer Carlson, Lynley (Steve) Messink, and Krisette Carlson; grandchildren, Adrianna (Matthew), Taylor (Alex), Ryan, Ava, Kara (Abby), Haley, Stefan, Steven, Paige, Shelby, Shawn, and Marcus (Jasmin); great-grandchildren, Delilah, Finnick, Kamden, Izzy, Noah, and Nayanna; siblings, Joy (Carl) Andersen, Phyllis (Dave) Bump, Kenneth Carlson, Sue (Henry) Dumonceaux, and Janice (Dave) Miller; along with numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Ada Carlson; and siblings, Judy Kulp, Richard Carlson, and Roger Carlson.
A visitation for John will be held on Friday, March 27 from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm at Sunset Funeral Home, 8800 N Alpine Rd, Machesney Park, IL 61115 with a funeral service to follow at 2:00 pm. Burial at Sunset Memorial Gardens.
