John H. Carlson 72, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family and friends at 7:17 a.m. on Tuesday, January 31, 2023.
Born in South Bend, Indiana on March 8, 1950, John was the youngest of 5 boys born to David and Evelyn (Ekstrom) Carlson. He graduated from Plymouth High School with the class of 1968. He had a love for Studebaker cars, as his father worked for them in South Bend, and at one point the family had all 5 boys’ Studebakers sitting in their driveway.
In Plymouth on July 11, 2010, John took Kathy Thomas as his wife. John loved camping and took his boys on camping trips for 9 straight years all through their junior and high school years.
John worked for Bomarko for 22 years. Then he changed paths and worked at Behavioral Health for a few years. He truly loved working with the children. He then worked for Bowen Center and again enjoyed his interaction with the residents and being able to help those with special needs. John most recently, drove a bus for the Marshall-Starke Development Center, taking clients out on day trips to their favorite places, until his retirement. He felt his work with all his clients through his years, was an extension of his ministry.
John was also a member of Eagle Creek Church in Knox and enjoyed his church ministry and singing at Miller Merry Manor in Plymouth on Tuesday nights.
He loved traveling and was ok spending the money if it got him out of the house. He enjoyed rides through town and on a friend’s golf cart, reminiscing about the old buildings and history of Plymouth. He played cards with a group religiously on Monday nights and never missed a single time, quarterly had “meetings” with his brothers and sisters-in-law at Christo’s Restaurant.
The family would like to thank the caregivers at Comfort Keepers for their compassion and attention given to both John and his family these last few years and especially these last few weeks.
He is survived by his wife, Kathy, and children: Jerry (Stephanie) Carlson of Kouts, IN, Julie (Gabe) Blissmer of Plainfield, IN, Jennifer (Brad) Hoop of Indianapolis, Christian (Amy) May of Arizona and Stephanie Schoolman of Plymouth, Dawn (Lyle) Walter of South Bend and Charles Julian of Tennessee; 16 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren; brothers: Eric (Donna) Carlson, Don (Kathy) Carlson and Paul (Billie) Carlson, sister-in-law Judy Carlson as well as many nieces and nephews.
John was preceded in death by his parents and brother, LeRoy Carlson, and Doris Marie Carlson.
Visitation will be held on Monday, February 6, 2023, from 11-1 p.m. EST at Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home, 1100 N. Michigan Street, Plymouth, IN. Funeral services will follow at 1 p.m. with Pastor Diana Riddle officiating.
Memorial contributions can be made to Eagle Creek Church, 280 N 700 E, Knox, IN 46534.
Caryn Durski, Funeral Director
Yvonne says
So glad i got to see you last fall. You can have those campfire stories more now. Terrific guy i enjoyed working with at BHC
Cindy, mike hickey says
Kathy and family sorry to hear about John’s passing!
Ren and Beverly Van Gilder says
John was always so very kind and caring. He had a terrific smile and always had time to “chat”. He was truly a man of faith. He was one of five wonderful children. If I remember correctly, all five of the boys sang.
We will miss him, too.
Love from,
Ren and Beverly Van Gilder
🙏💙🙏
Mandy Julien says
I’m so glad I got to work with John through comfort keepers,him and his wife Kathy made me feel like family and it was always a good time taking care of him I will miss him dearly.
Steve Hostetler says
My sincere condolences to the Carlson Family.
Julie Morris, Bartow, FL says
My heartfelt condolences on John’s passing.
I worked with him at Behaviorial Health and he was great to work with and talk to about life.
Rest in Peace John.
Shirley Pearson says
I have know John for many years. When growing up he was my brother Jim DeMien. Best friend. John spent lot of times at our house. He was a great guy. Kathy thinking of you keeping you in my prayers.