Melvin L. Carlson

Melvin L. "Mel" Carlson, 88, Rockford, passed away Wednesday, February 29, 2012, in his home with his wife by his side. He was born May 19, 1923, in Rockford, the son of Axel and Freda (Miller) Carlson. Mel graduated from Rockford East High School in 1941, and then served with the Navy in the South Pacific during World War II. He graduated from Northwestern University in 1949. Mel married Thelma Ziegler in Wellington, Ohio on May 15, 1954. He worked at Elco Tool Company and Ford Motor Company before becoming a realtor in 1964. He was a member of First Evangelical Free Church where he enjoyed his volunteer work with Timberlee Christian Center and the Sonrisers senior group.Survived by his loving wife of almost 58 years, Thelma; sons, Daniel (Peggy) of Westchester, PA and Donald (Anne) of Glen Ellyn, his daughter, Deborah (Stephen) Ellis of Cochranville, PA; grandchildren, Ryan, Jacob, Clayton(Daniel), Gabriel (Donald), Austin, and Autumn (Deborah). Predeceased by his parents and his sister, Eleanor Carlson. Mels family wishes to express their gratitude to Heartland Hospice Care for the care and help they gave to Mel and Thelma during his last weeks of life.Funeral services will be at 11:00am, Friday, March 9, 2012, at First Evangelical Free Church, 2223 N. Mulford Rd. with Pastor Chuck Rife officiating. Visitation from 10:00 am until 10:45 am, on Friday at the church. Burial at Arlington Memorial Park Cemetery on Saturday. Memorials to First Evangelical Free Church, Timberlee Christian Center in Troy, Wisconsin, or Kids Around the World, P.O. Box 5225, Rockford, 611250225. Arrangements by Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd.