SSG William J. Carlson
1929 – 2025
USAF KOR
William Joseph "Bill" Carlson was born on June 27, 1929 in Chicago to Gunnar and Hattie Rydell Carlson.
Carlson served as a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Air Force on a bomber crew during the Korean War from 1951 to 1954.
On January 21, 1958, he married Caroline Barbeau in Cook County; they raised 2 children in Streamwood.
His passion for aviation led his to United Airlines, where Carlson received many awards during his 40-year career. Among those awards was the prestigious Charles W. Taylor Master Mechanic Award which is the highest honor the FAA bestows upon those in the aircraft maintenance field. After retiring from United he worked for the FAA as an inspector for 11 years.
Carlson proudly served on the Streamwood Village Board for 32 years as an elected Trustee, where he was an advocate for the police and fire departments, youth programs, and new businesses in Streamwood.
He loved playing golf and spending time with his grandchildren, passing to them his strong work ethic and integrity.
SSG Bill Carlson passed peacefully on June 15, 2025 in Streamwood, and is buried at Barrington’s Evergreen Cemetery.
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Remember. Honor. Teach.
Courtesy of Signal Hill Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution.