Richard “Buddy” Carlson, 78, Altona, passed away on August 2, 2022. He was born September 21, 1943, in Galesburg, IL, the son of Richard Leland Carlson and Mildred Simpson Carlson. Buddy was raised in Victoria and later Galesburg. He graduated from Galesburg High School in 1961.
Buddy married Diane “Alice” Ziegler on April 22, 1967, at Victoria Methodist Church in Victoria, IL. He is survived by his wife of 55 years and 4 daughters: Stephanie Steele of Gilson IL, Melissa (Mark) Hazen of Altona IL, Andrea (Corey) Hanson of Knoxville IL and Emily (Joe) Nichols of Oneida IL. Grandchildren: Dirk (Lindsey) Steele, Darla (Chris) Donovan, the late Cole Steele, Elizabeth (Brock) Stowe, Abby Stowe, Carli Stowe, Max and Macy Nichols, Devin Stowe, Bri Hazen, Bryce Hazen and Brady Hazen. Great grandchildren: Andrew and Haley Steele, Cade, Grace and Steelee Donovan and Rhett Stowe. He was preceded in death by his parents, son-in-law, Lee Steele, and grandson, Cole.
He served in the US Army Reserves from 1964-1970. He was a truck driver for May Company when he started his plumbing apprenticeship with Jack Hathaway of Galva IL. Buddy began his plumbing career in 1974 with his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Jim and Ruth Ann McNaught, when they opened J & D Hardware in Victoria IL. He truly enjoyed his work and the people he met.
Buddy also loved spending time with family. His quiet manner and dry sense of humor will be remembered by anyone who knew Buddy.
The family would like to express their gratitude to Diana Poland and the rest of the staff at Fresenius Kidney Care in Galesburg.
Cremation rites have been accorded. A burial of cremated remains will be held 3:00 PM on Sunday, August 7, 2022 at the Galva Cemetery. Rev. Scott Cramer will officiate. Fellowship will be held at the Grove Community Church, 212 N. Depot Street, Altona, IL 61414 following the graveside services. Hurd-Hendricks Funeral Homes and Crematory, Knoxville will be assisting with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Grove Community Church, A O & W Ambulance Service or the Altona Fire Department. Expressions of sympathy may be left to the family at www.hurd-hendricksfuneralhome.com.
