Fred Carlson

Fred E. Carlson, 85, of Ottawa, passed away Sunday, March 3, 2024 at his home.

Visitation will be Saturday, March 9, from 11:00am until 1:00pm at Ottawa Funeral Home. A funeral ceremony will follow at 1:00pm, with Rev. Duane Kaufman officiating. Burial will be in Oakwood Memorial Park.

Fred was born December 24, 1938, in Ottawa, IL, to Fred and Arlene (Anderson) Carlson. He married Mary Armstrong on December 12, 1980. She passed away August 31, 2005.

Fred was a certified printer and worked at Illinois Office Supply for many years. He then went to work at Libby Owens, and then ultimately worked and retired from the Marseilles National Guard Base. He loved history and the civil war. He loved to read books and collect memorabilia from the civil war. His love for history was pivotal in his love of Ottawa. He liked to learn the history of Ottawa and just take rides through town. It is said he liked pets more than most people, especially his dogs, Jake, Rosie, and Beau. He was the biggest supporter of his children and grandchildren and enjoyed spending as much time as he could with them. In his free time he enjoyed reading and doing crossword puzzles.

He is survived by his daughter, Katie (Aaron) Willet; his grandchildren, Avery, Easton, and Emersyn Willet; and his sister, Pam Carlson. He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Arlene; his Wife, Mary; and two daughters in infancy, Erin and Elizabeth.

Pallbearers will be Aaron Willet, Justin Rick, Jason Kennedy, Pete Dilley, Mike Wolf, and Carl Theissen.

Memorials may be directed to Pet Project.