Search by Name

Search by Name

Roger W. Carlson

1928 - 2017

Roger W. Carlson obituary, 1928-2017, Deerfield, IL

BORN

1928

DIED

2017

Roger Carlson Obituary

Roger W. Carlson, 89, of Deerfield, died of congestive heart failure Aug. 1, 2017. Roger was born May 27, 1928, in Minnesota and grew up in Edina. He served in the Army (1946-48) and also attended the University of Minnesota. For many years, Roger worked in advertising sales (Fortune, National Geographic and Parade). In 1979, Roger opened Bookman's Alley in a warehouse off Sherman Avenue in Evanston. Roger built the shop into a sprawling complex filled with books, antiques and artwork. Health issues prompted Roger to close the shop in 2013. Roger is survived by his wife Deborah, children Jeffrey (Marcia) Carlson, Ann (Clifford) Miller, Leslie Carlson-Magee, Susan and Gregory Carlson; grandchildren Kyle McAfee, Dillon (Ashley) McAfee, Lee (Andrew) Rizzo, Clinton, Kevin and Jay Magee, Michael and Katherine Carlson, Drew and Woody Miller; and great-grandchildren Zeyda, Frances and Charlotte. In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital are appreciated.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Chicago Tribune from Aug. 4 to Aug. 10, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Roger Carlson

Not sure what to say?





Alexander Rivlin

February 22, 2020

Roger was one of the noblest people I ever met. Let him rest in peace. Alex Rivlin, bibliophile and bookbinder.

Carlene Hanson Schott

September 1, 2017

So sorry to hear of your loss, Aunt Deb and my cousins who I (sadly) never see.
Uncle Roger always seemed like a great guy, the few times I got to see him.

Bob Krakowsky

August 15, 2017

I recall the first of many times that I visited Bookman's Alley. I loaded up with more books than I had expected to buy, and, of course, I didn't have enough cash or my checkbook with me. Roger just told me to send him a check. I protested: you don't even know me. It didn't matter. Roger was truly a first-class person. It was a delight to visit with him. I regret I didn't do so more often.

Anne Kelly

August 13, 2017

I loved to shop in Bookman's Alley and had many pleasant exchanges with Mr. Carlson. He was never without a good book recommendation and a kind word. My condolences to his family and friends on the loss of this fine man.

Frederick Dose

August 11, 2017

I'll miss Roger, and the notice of his passing brought back many memories of my innumerable visits to his B.A., going back to 1981 when I was a graduate student at NU, and many visits thereafter. The many people to whom I referred him to purchase their books, the idiosyncratic and delightful decorative touches appropriate to each subject section of the cavernous store, his pleasant demeanor not attuned to mindless chit-chat, all that and more are fondly remembered.

Nancy Visocki

August 10, 2017

My deepest sympathy to Mr. Carlson's family. I didn't know him personally, but I visited Bookman's Alley a few times. There is only one word for that store - Magic. There will never be another store like that and it is Roger Carlson who made it so special. I still remember my awe the first time I visited. It looked like this little shop, but it wasn't. It went on forever. As will my memory of Bookman's Alley and it's kind, gentle owner.

Hank Zuchowski

August 9, 2017

Very sorry to hear about Roger's passing. He was a great man - friendly, knowledgeable, keen sense of humor, a fine bookman, a gentleman. One of a kind. A classy person. I knew him for about 30 years and will miss him sorely. I know his last few years were very difficult for him and for his family due to the many physical challenges he faced. Loved his shop. Everyone did. What a charming place he created with his own special personality. Always looked forward to going to his shop and visiting him when I was in Chicago. My sincere condolences to his family as you deal with his loss.

Hank Zuchowski

David Sullivan

August 9, 2017

Charming, witty, smart, generous and about the nicest guy you would ever want to meet.

Abby

August 8, 2017

Dear family of Roger,
My condolences to the family. This is a difficult time, but there is someone that you can throw your anxieties on. At 1 Peter 5:6,7 God wants us to pray to him and let him know our distress because he cares for us. Best wishes.

Sally Sheinberg

August 8, 2017

My condolences. My mom, Mary Ellen Buell, spent many happy hours at Bookman's Alley and spoke of Roger often. She passed away last November but I know she would want me to say how fond she was of Roger.

Herb Metzler

August 8, 2017

Always enjoyed my conversations with Roger in his bookstore...a gentle, kind man.

Gregory SALUSTRO

August 7, 2017

How many times did Roger suggest a book or tell me that I could just "mail him a check" when I selected more books than I could afford. A great proponent of writing and literature. I am forever indebted.

Gretchen

August 7, 2017

Roger Carlson - heart, soul, and proprietor of Bookman's Alley; friend, mentor, and guiding star to all who love books - you are sorely lamented. God rest you!

Teri Rathslag-Frigo

August 7, 2017

Thinking of you all, as death seems to bring a flood of memories.The picture you chose is exactly as I remember Mr. Carlson, with gentle eyes and a warm smile. I remember popping into your house to see Ann, and going into the family room to say "Hi" to Mr. Carlson. He would be sitting comfortably in his reading chair with a book or newspaper in hand. Those were the days long before Bookman's Alley, when all the books, artifacts and treasures were what made the Carlson living room so very special. Add in a little Trini Lopez playing in the background and you have the full picture. Your father/husband was a dear man. I am hoping that he and my dad are now together sharing memories of all of us, and of their personal outdoor adventures. Hugs to you all.

August 6, 2017

My condolences to the entire Carlson family. My memories of your family and Mr. Carlson when my family lived in Deerfield always warranted the utmost respect. Mr. Carlson was a class act.

My thoughts are with all of you.

Marc Dulin

Beth Whittingham Goehring

August 4, 2017

To the Carlson family, this is a very long-lost friend from Evanston days (Jeffrey, you and I used to play together all the time). I loved your dad, your family, and Bookman's Alley. Our dad passed away this year, too, and it's a sad thing to think these guys with their stories and their laughs and their big personalities are gone. Please know I'm sending my love to you all.
Beth Whittingham Goehring

August 4, 2017

On Behalf of the Ninth District Cook County American Legion.
Please accept our condolences over the loss of your veteran service member.
Our prayers go with you at this time of grief.

Respectfully,
Reverend Paul Laws
Ninth District American Legion
Adjutant

David and Althea

August 4, 2017

Dear Deborah we are so saddened to hear of the loss of dear Roger and offer our deepest condolences to the family. May the God of all comfort be with you during this difficult time. Exodus 6:3

Daniel Weinberg

August 4, 2017

Roger's passing actually brought tears to my eyes. As a bookman, he was both a colleague and an affable friend -- even when complaining. His shop was a refuge, with more than just book titles to greet the eye and imagination. I miss his graciousness and his knowledge. Though I entered the business eight years prior to Roger, we grew up together in our shared industry. He is the epitome of what it is to be a bibliopole (look it up). May his memory be for a blessing -- it certainly is for me.

Showing 1 - 19 of 19 results

Make a Donation
in Roger Carlson's name

Please consider a donation as requested by the family.

Memorial Events
for Roger Carlson

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Roger's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Roger Carlson's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more