Robert E. Carlson

Moline, Illinois
Robert E. Carlson, 85, of Moline, died Thursday, September 25, 2008 at the Trinity Pathway Hospice at Terrace Park, Bettendorf.
Services are 3:00 p.m. Monday in the Celebration of Life Chapel at Trimble Funeral and Cremation Center, Moline. Visitation is 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Monday. Private burial is in Riverside Cemetery, Moline. Memorials may be made to the Robert E. and Marjorie J. Carlson Scholarship Fund at Augustana College, c/o of the Augustana College Development Department, 639 38th St., Rock Island, or one?s favorite charity.
Robert Edward Carlson was born February 22, 1923, in Moline, the son of Paul R. and Viola (Lucas) Carlson. He attended John Deere Junior High School and graduated in 1941 from Moline High School. As a high school student he was a member of the debate team and was elected Line O?Type homecoming king during his senior year.
In fall 1941 he enrolled at Augustana College and left school in 1942 when he was drafted into the U.S. Army during World War II. He served in the South Pacific as a chaplain?s assistant. He returned to Augustana in 1945 and graduated in 1948 with a bachelor?s degree in speech.
Robert married Marjorie Jane Anderson on June 12, 1948, at Central Presbyterian Church in Rock Island. He was employed at Carlson Brothers, Inc., which was founded by his two great-uncles. Between 1952 and 1967, he served as supply pastor at Preemption Methodist Church, Preemption. During his tenure, the church was named Rural Church of the Year by the church?s Central Illinois Conference. He later joined the Augustana College development department as Development Officer and later Director of Planned Giving where he initiated the Augustana Founders Club. In 1980 he was named first President of the Lutheran Hospital Foundation, later the Trinity Hospital Foundation.
He was a member of Riverside United Methodist Church, where he served as a member of numerous committees. He was a member and past-president of the Moline Rotary Club and the Moline Board of Education. He was a member of the Moline Lodge #1014 A.F. & A.M. and Moline Consistory, the High Twelve Club, and the Moline Public Schools Foundation.
Robert was a lifelong Cubs fan whose dedication is celebrated with a paving brick near the statue of Ernie Banks outside Wrigley Field, engraved with the words: Bob Carlson, Moline?s #1 Cubs Fan.
Robert is survived by his wife of 60 years, Marjorie Carlson of Silvis, formerly of Moline; daughters and sons-in-law, Lisa and Ed Goodale of Glencoe, Illinois, and Sarah and Vince Van Damme of Moline; grandsons, Joseph, Brent, and Thomas Van Damme; granddaughters, Robin and Meredith Goodale, and cousins, Glen Hallquist of Moline, Mary Steinbach, and Tim and Bill Eaton; as well as many loving friends who showed their love throughout his final days.
Bob?s family invites you to share memories and condolences and light a candle in his memory at www.TrimbleFuneralHomes.com.