Carl L. Carlsson

Carl L. (“Babe”) Carlsson, born February 12, 1930, in Harvey, Illinois passed away on September 5, 2024. He attended the University of Notre Dame and in 1952 graduated with a Civil Engineering degree. He continued his education earning a Master’s Degree from the University of Illinois. Carl served three years in the US Navy as an officer in the Civil Engineering Corps. After returning from service, he began working at Calumet Flexicore Corporation and eventually served as president for thirty-nine years. Among his many accomplishments he was credited for revolutionizing the industry by expanding the span and load bearing capacity of the floor and roof products the company produced. The new designs and manufacturing equipment were adopted across the United States. Carl’s thirst for knowledge was satisfied through his membership in many professional organizations to which he belonged.  He would tell you his greatest accomplishment was marrying his late wife, Rose Marie (Schnepf) Carlsson, and welcoming their five children into the world. Carl had a noticeably strong faith and love of the Lord. He was a proud member of St. Liborius Catholic Church and served his parish and community for over 63 years. Carl was actively involved in the Community Outreach program and continued to volunteer at the Soup Kitchen well into his 93rd year.  Wise and witty, Carl enjoyed life. He was an enthusiastic sports fan, playing many in his youth. In 1947-48, he won the State Wrestling Championship. Carl especially enjoyed Notre Dame football and the Chicago Cubs.  He had a zest for learning, which could be seen from his large and varied collection of books. (He never met a book he didn’t like.) Upon retirement, his golden years were spent traveling out west with his wife. He enjoyed visiting the National Parks and the scenic mountainsides. Carl was humble and kind to all he met, actively listening to people he encountered and offering a smile or helping hand whenever needed. He had a bottomless capacity to love and to laugh. His sharp wit and subtle humor brought joy to others. A favorite pastime was playing SORRY with his grandchildren, though he would quip, “they never let me win”. Despite facing hardships in life, he focused on the positive and was grateful for the life he had been given. He was a man of his word. His generosity and empathy towards others knew no bounds. He left an undeniable example of values, a strong work ethic, love of family and friends, and faith to all who knew him.  Carl was preceded in death by his parents, Carl R. and Mary (Caproni) Carlsson, his loving wife, Rose Marie, his beloved sons Carl Joseph and Kurt Joseph, his brother, Lawrence, and his sister, Maria (Bob) Bernacchi. He is survived by his daughters; Elizabeth Carlsson, Christina (late Daniel) LeCocq, Cynthia (Allen) Lucas, his six adored grandchildren Carly, Matthew, Margaret, Jack, Brian, and Hannah, and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be Sunday, September 15th from 3:00pm to 8:00pm at Kerr-Parzygnot Funeral Home, 540 Dixie Hwy., Chicago Heights, IL. 60411. The funeral mass will be Monday, September 16th 10:00am at St. Liborius Catholic Church in Steger, IL. Interment: Assumption Cemetery, Glenwood, IL. Memorials can be made to Community Outreach (PO Box 74 Steger, IL 60475) or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105).  For further information, please contact 708-754-0016 or visit our online obituary and guestbook at  https://www.kerr-parzygnotfuneralhomes.com.