Evelyn "Jean" Carlson, 101, of St. Joseph, IL passed away on July 3, 2026. 

Jean was born July 19, 1924  in Joliet, IL to Charles and Hermie (Bonn) Bidgood. She grew up in Joliet alongside her brothers, Chuck Bidgood and Jack Bidgood. 

At age 19, Jean married Kenneth Robert Carlson on September 2, 1943 in Los Angeles, California a few days before Ken shipped out to the South Pacific during WWII. They were married 63 years until Ken's death on September 1, 2006. Jean and Ken moved to Bradley, IL, in 1948 where they raised their 3 children: Barbara, Susan and Wesley, on South Wabash in Bradley. 

Jean's career was her family. Her joy of baking, especially her famous chocolate chip cookies, made her very popular among the neighborhood kids and her family. She was always there to give a hug, wipe away tears, bandage "owies", settle disputes and serve as taxi driver. Her skills as a seamstress enabled her to make our clothes and costumes. Jean loved to travel the USA, bowling, reading, playing cards, and crocheting potholders, throws and baby blankets.

Jean leaves her children Barbara (Jim) Haake, Susan (Dave) Fensch, and Wesley (Angie) Carlson; 6 grandchildren, Michelle Haake, Kimberly (Jim) Herbrand, James (Rachelle) Haake, Deanna (Bob) Webb, Ture (Erin) Carlson, and Brian (Jackie) Carlson; 13 great-grandchildren, Hailey Schluter (Kevin Gray), Jessica Schluter (Steven Palmisano), and Elizabeth Schluter; Erin Herbrand (Alex Whiteman), Sarah Herbrand (Joey Newby) and Anna Herbrand (Charlie Villaneuba); Tyler Haake (Lauren) and Bryce Haake (Valerie Johnson); Asher and Emma Carlson, Mark, Max and Reid Carlson. 3 great-great grandchildren, Ellie Blanco, Hallie Haake, and Everlee Haake. 

Jean's final resting place will be with her husband at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood, IL.