David L. Carlson

David L. Carlson, 78, of Princeton, Illinois, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, July 24, 2026, with his wife by his side.

David was born on April 22, 1948, in Princeton, Illinois, to Leonard and Orva (Anderson) Carlson. He married Bonnie Goble on June 17, 1972, at Princeton Hampshire Colony Congregational Church.

David graduated from Ohio High School with the Class of 1967. He continued his education at Coffeyville Junior College in Coffeyville, Kansas, and Sauk Valley Community College in Dixon, Illinois. Throughout his career, David worked for agricultural companies, a profession that allowed him to work in and travel to more than 150 countries around the world before his retirement.

He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Bonnie Carlson of Princeton; two sons, Eric (Sarah) Carlson of Elgin, Illinois, and Mark (Anita) Carlson of Brussels, Belgium; five cherished grandchildren, Owen, Elsa, and Ari Carlson of Elgin, Illinois, and Emma and Bjorn Carlson of Brussels, Belgium; one sister, Kathy (Larry) Anderson of Walnut, Illinois; one sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Rita and Jeff Calvert of Princeton; and numerous nieces and nephews.

David was preceded in death by his parents; his father- and mother-in-law, Paul and Mary Jane Goble; his sister-in-law, Elaine Swanger; and his nephew-in-law, Beau Harp.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at Oakland Cemetery in Princeton, with Pastor Joe Henson of Walnut Community Bible Church officiating. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Cremation Rites have been accorded.

Memorials may be directed to the American Cancer Society.