Obituary of Ray Carlson

STERLING-Raymond “Ray” Carlson, 82, of Sterling, died Friday, July 9, 2021 at his home. Ray was born March 3, 1939 in Sterling, the son of Luther and Mabel (Wheelock) Carlson. He married Carol Palmer on March 27, 1959 in LaSalle. Ray was a millwright for 38 years until his retirement in 1997. He was a member of the Rock Falls Eagles Club and Broken Arrow Archery Club for several years. He was an avid Green Bay Packers fan and enjoyed watching his game shows. Survivors include his wife Carol of Sterling; two sons Bill (Kalah) Carlson of Lakeland, FL; and Irv (Traci Berge) of San Tan Valley, AZ; one daughter, Melissa (Steven) Ward of Brandenburg, KY; six grandchildren, Ben (Kristi) Carlson of Dixon, Miranda Lawson of Sterling, Krystal Portner of Amboy, Devin Carlson of Sterling, Brenden Ward of Bowling Green, KY and Emma Ward of Brandenburg, KY and seven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Maxine Moribe; one great-grandson, Jaron Portner; and one great-granddaughter, Annabell Carlson. Visitation will be 10AM-11AM Wednesday, July 14, 2021 at Schilling Funeral Home, Sterling with Reverend Roger Carlson, officiating with full Eagles Rites starting at 11. Burial will follow at Coloma Township Cemetery, Rock Falls. A memorial has been established. Condolences may be sent to www.schillingfuneralhome.com