Ray Carlson

A beautiful bass voice has joined the heavenly choir. Raymond C. Carlson has completed his earthly journey surrounded by family in his home on October 26, 2014 just as a beautiful sunrise was coming into view.

Visitation for Ray will be from 4-7 on Wednesday, October 29, 2014 in the Ark at the St. Paul Lutheran Church, 1001 9th Street, Orion. A funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. on October 30, 2014 at the church. Burial will follow at the Lutheran Cemetery in Orion. Memorials may be made to the St. Paul Lutheran Church Organ Fund, Calvary Lutheran Church Memorial Fund or to the American Cancer Society. Kirk, Huggins and Esterdahl Funeral Home, Ltd. is assisting the family with arrangements.

Ray was born on December 19, 1928 in rural Orion, Illinois to Clifford and Lillie Anderson Carlson. He married Betty L. Erickson on May 20, 1951 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Orion. They share the same birthday and grew up just 2 miles apart. Both Ray and Betty were delivered by the same doctor.

Ray graduated high school in 1946 as a Valedictorian transfer from Sherrard High School to Orion High School, he went on to attend Moline Business College. Ray was employed by the former Moline National Bank now known as the First Midwest Bank in Moline where he worked for 47 years starting at the bottom and retiring as a Vice President. For a short time, Ray also worked at JC Penny. He was a former member of the Calvary Lutheran Church in Moline where he sang in the church choir and served on the Church Board and Financial Committee. Ray was a current member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Orion where he also sang in the choir and was the treasurer of the St. Paul Lutheran Endowment Fund. He was a member of the Handel Oratorio Society Annual Messiah Concert at Augustana Centennial Hall in Rock Island where he held the record of singing for 53 years. Ray was also a volunteer for the Henry County Historical Society of Bishop Hill. Ray enjoyed keeping his Lynn Center yard neatly trimmed as well as watching the antics of his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Above all were his love of music, faith and family; this truly devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend will be missed.

Survivors include his wife of 63 years.
Children Cherie (Craig) Peterson Rapids City, IL
Daniel (Lili) Carlson Port Byron, IL
Randall (Linda) Carlson Erie, CO
Grandchildren and great grandchildren
Patricia (Barry) Nord and their children, Emma & Dylan
Jenni (Tom) Wallaert and daughter Kenley
Casey (Tanya) Peterson and their son Corey
Jeremy (Michelle) Hirst and their children Jackson and Ryann
Jessica Hirst
Jeffery Hirst and his children Brandon, Brianna and Kelsey
Rod (Jodie) Hulslander and their son Wyatt
Jay Hulslander
Ann (Randy) Dishong and their children Taylin and Kinsley
Tessa Carlson
Traci Carlson
Great grandson to be born on October 28, 2014 to Jenni and Tom Wallaert

He was preceded in death by his parents; step brother, Ted Larson; sister, Marion Droste; 2 year old sister; Arlene Carlson; and infant sister; Margaret.

Online condolences may be left for the family by visiting his obituary at www.esterdahl.com