Bruce Carlson

BRUCE S. CARLSON, 67 BELVIDERE - Bruce S. Carlson, 67, of Belvidere died Friday, Nov. 18, 2011, at home, surrounded by his family, after a three-month illness. Born Dec. 26, 1943, in Rockford, son of Olaf and Vivian (Brodine) Carlson. Married Leita M. Pitner on Feb. 24, 1968, in Rockford. Bruce was a switching technician for Verizon for 40 years. He loved his Longaberger Basket business as well as working on cars, making trips to Dresden, Ohio, for baskets, fishing and helping with Junior Achievement while representing GTE. Bruce was a member of Zion Lutheran Church. Survived by wife, Leita; children, Ingrid (Randy) Emery, Linda Carlson and Stephen Carlson; grandchildren, Haley and Alex Emery; and brother, David Carlson. Predeceased by parents; and brother, Rodney Carlson. Service at noon, Wednesday, Nov. 23, at Buck-Wheeler-Hyland Funeral Home, 218 W. Hurlbut Ave., with the Rev. Dr. Karl Otto, pastor of Zion Lutheran Church, officiating. Burial in Belvidere Cemetery. Visitation from 11 a.m. to noon Wednesday at the funeral home. Memorials to the family in his name. To express condolences please visit buckwheelerhyland.com.