John A. Carlson

It is with great sadness that the family of John Carlson of Libertyville announces his unexpected passing on January 7, 2022. John graduated from Illinois State University with a degree in Landscape Architecture. He was a long time member of the American Society of Landscape Architects and the local Illinois chapter. He took great pride in the establishment and day-to-day operation of Carlson Landscape Assoc. Inc. with his wife Sharon. The company was just one of his many passions.

In his free time he was an avid hunter, fisherman, skier, craftsman, artist, musician, conservationist, and an all-around outdoorsman. In his youth he enjoyed many road trips with his friends on their motorcycles, sharing life's experiences across the country. His love of the outdoors took him to many destinations: Kodiak Island Alaska, Costa Rica, Europe, remote areas of Montana, Minnesota, Michigan, New Mexico and wherever else his compass and desire would take him.

His greatest accomplishment was the guidance and nurturing of his two sons, whom he coached throughout their youth in baseball, football, soccer and traditional archery. He shared his love of the outdoors with the boys, always taking them with on his adventures and expeditions.

He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Sharon, sons Clint (30) and Lucas (27), mother Vivian Carlson, father-in-law Melvin Wirkus, sisters Linnae (Bruce) Anderson and Jane (James) Szabo, brother Rich (Kathy) Carlson, sister-in-laws Janet (Robert) Lebron, Barbara Wirkus, Stephanie (Matt) Moser, brother-in-laws Randy (Sarah) Wirkus and Bruce Wirkus, twenty two nieces and nephews, and fourteen great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Arthur Carlson, his mother-in-law, Shirley M. Wirkus and his brother-in-law Brian Wirkus. In 2021, John suffered the loss of his great friend and hunting companion, Star, the family dog.

Visitation will be Saturday, January 15th, from 3:00-7:00pm at Marsh Funeral Home in Gurnee, IL.

Any memorial donations can be made to the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, a conservationist organization focused on the protection and enhancement of wildlife habitat in the western United States.