Larry Carlson, 87, of Macomb, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, in Whitewater, Wisconsin.
Larry was born November 30, 1938, in Chalmers Township, Illinois, to Harold and Kathleen Carlson(Brandon). After graduating Macomb Senior High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy in September 1956, proudly serving his country for three years.
Following his military service, Larry dedicated over three decades to protecting his hometown. He served as a pioneering presence and respected leader in the Macomb Police Department from August 1961 until his retirement in November 1995. Throughout his 34-year career, Larry earned numerous accolades for excellence in the field, consistently choosing to work on the front lines, serving and interacting directly with his community, turning down more than one opportunity to teach at the Academy.
Above all, Larry was a devoted family man. Second only to his devotion to his beloved wife of 61 years, Linda Carlson (Haley), was his lifelong passion for Elvis Presley and St. Louis Cardinals baseball. To be closer to his son and daughter-in-law, Larry spent his final two years residing in Whitewater, Wisconsin.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Linda; and his parents, Harold and Kathleen. He is survived by his son, Erik Carlson, and daughter-in-law, Pachion Carlson; his sister, Christine; and his nieces and nephew, Terri, Sharon, Richard, and their children.
There will be a Military Funeral Honors service on Oct 10, 2026 11:00AM at Oakwood Cemetery, in Macomb, IL. Correspondence may be sent to the Carlson family at W308 S8805 Woodland Dr Mukwonago, WI 53149.
