Michael E. Carlson, age 65 of Knoxville, Illinois died at 2:45 P.M. on Friday, June 5, 2020, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria, Illinois.
He was born on August 6, 1954, in Galesburg, Illinois the son of Earl L. and Betty X. (Ecklund) Carlson. He attended and graduated from Knoxville High School in 1972. He married Julie Jackson in 1974 in Knoxville, Illinois.
Surviving is one daughter, Michelle (and Ray) Benson of Galesburg, Illinois. Two grandchildren, Dakota (Layla Sundberg) Benson and Mercedys Benson both of Galesburg, Illinois; one great-granddaughter, Elania Benson of Galesburg, Illinois; one brother Richard “Rick” (and Janet) Carlson of Parker Arizona. He was preceded in death by his parents.
He worked for the former Carlson Trucking in Knoxville, Illinois; worked for fourteen years in the Burlington Northern rail yard in Galesburg, Illinois; and a truck driver for the former Westbay Implement and then Birkey’s in Galesburg, Illinois.
He was of the Lutheran Faith. He was a past member of the Knoxville Fire Department. He lived all his life in Knoxville, Illinois. He was a Green Bay Packer and St. Louis Cardinal fan, he also enjoyed watching NASCAR.
Cremation Rites will be accorded. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Hurd-Hendricks Funeral Homes & Crematory is assisting the family with their wishes. Memorial contributions may be made to the Family or the Knoxville Fire Department. Online condolences and expressions of sympathy may be made through www.hurd-hendricksfuneralhome.com.
