Richard A. Carlson

Richard A. “Rooster” Carlson, 82, of Wenona, formerly of Plainfield, IL, passed away April 20, 2023 in OSF St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Bloomington.  He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

Mass of Christian burial will be 11:00 AM Tuesday in St. Mary’s Church in Wenona with the Franciscian Friars officiating. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Wenona.  Visitation will be in the church on Monday from 4 to 8:00 PM.  Additional visitation will be 10:00 AM until of services.  The Hurst Funeral Home in Wenona is entrusted with Richard’s services.

He was born in Joliet on May 8, 1940 to William and Virginia (Coldwater) Carlson.  He was raised on a farm and spent his younger years in the Lockport and Yorkville areas, moving to Plainfield in 1959.  Richard married Virginia Kay Taylor in June of 1960 at St. Mary Immaculate Church in Plainfield.  After their marriage they farmed for 30 years in the Plainfield area.  He also worked for Jim Phelps Landscape for 21 years, retiring in 2006, at which time they moved to Wenona. He was a member of St. Mary’s Church, Knights of Columbus Council #790 of Streator and Will County Farm Bureau.

Richard was a polio survivor, contracting polio at 15 months of age.  That never stopped him.  He worked hard all of his life and raised a loving family.  One of his greatest joys was spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  He enjoyed being at the farm during planting and harvest seasons.  You could find him watching the corn dryer in the fall for the boys.  He also enjoyed his garden and visiting with friends.

Richard is survived by his wife of 62 years, Kay; daughters, Kathy(Mike)Kelly of Wenona, Pam(Mike)Testin of Wenona and Sue(the late Joel)Testin of Newark; grandchildren, Patrick(Alyssa)Testin, Kelly(Ryan)Wink, Peter(Julie)Testin, Kevin(Laurynne)Testin, Michaelene Testin, Kyle(Lissette)Testin, and Rachel(fiancée Robert Dannenberg)Testin; eight great-grandchildren; sister Kay(Terry)Nelson; brother Mike(the late Shirley)Carlson and sisters-in-law Maryann(Carl)Olen and Jean(Larry)Grommon.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a grandson Larry Testin and son-in-law Joel Testin.

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