Connor J. Carlson

Connor Joseph Carlson, age 18, of De Pere passed away on April 26, 2025, in Green Bay in a fatal vehicle accident. Born on March 16, 2007, Connor was the son of Rhonda Carlson and Jeffrey Carlson and loving brother to Mikenzie, Tyler, and Brooks Carlson.
Connor grew up in Howard, WI and was a student of the Howard-Suamico School District where he proudly graduated early (January 2025), ending his high-school career with honors. He was looking forward to joining his classmates in June to walk and accept his diploma.
Connor was not much for the classroom setting, but he loved learning at his job and in daily life. His inquisitive nature always had him questioning his parents about whatever was on his mind ranging from vehicles and hobbies, "adulting," politics, and faith.
As part of a school work program, Connor was able to work for Take 5 where they quickly noticed his skills and work ethic. He was often one of the top sellers for the company in Wisconsin. At the age of 18, he was being promoted to assistant store manager and was excited to be on the consideration list for store manager of a new store opening soon. Connor was successful in all he put his mind and heart into. The accomplishments at his job were a reflection of this.
His love of vehicles was immense. In his 2 short years of having a license, Connor learned how to manage his finances and learned the art of making a deal, in order to purchase (and often sell) a car, two trucks, a jet ski, two motorcycles, two four wheelers and a mustang, and he was gearing up to do it once again in the months ahead. When his parents asked why he felt the need to have all these buying/selling vehicle experiences now with so many years ahead of him, he was always willing to share his life philosophy (which was a thought beyond his years): "Do what you love with the people you love and experience everything you possibly can because tomorrow is not promised."
Connor also loved when he had a chance to give back to the community and share his passions with others. This included volunteering with his mom at Green Bay Fear Haunted House, where he found great joy in "scaring people"; helping them enjoy the Halloween holiday as much as he did. He also enjoyed volunteering with his dad and stepmom at Happily Ever After where, since the age of 5, he was cuddling dogs, comforting them when they were sick or scared, and running around and wrestling with all the puppies.
When not going to school, work, or volunteering, Connor enjoyed hobbies with his family and friends, including golf (but if you went with him you'd know to duck and/or move anything you didn't want hit with a stray ball), skiing, cheering on the Lions (he successfully converted several people to be Lions fans instead of Packers fans, including his Grandma Carlson who was a diehard Packers fan), and enjoying time outdoors with others during all seasons: fishing, four-wheeling, jet skiing, and jumping off the dock or boat, no matter the temperature of the water.
Connor truly valued people and relationships and "never met a stranger." While his ability to make others smile and laugh was second to none and will surely be remembered by all, his uncanny ability to not only know when one needed comfort and care but also always stepping in to do so, will be deeply missed.
He is survived by his mother, Rhonda Carlson, his father and stepmother, Jeffrey Carlson and Amanda Reitz, his siblings, Mikenzie, Tyler, and Brooks Carlson, his grandparents, Les and Gail Sieglaff and John and Sharon Carlson, his aunts and uncles, Karen (Steve) Petersen, Kenneth (Sandy) Sieglaff, Jamie (Josh) Holmes, his many cousins and close friends including his girlfriend, Cadence Cravillion and childhood best friend, Ryder Slaght.
Connor is preceded in death by his grandmother, Sally (Marcek) Anderson, his aunt, Kathy (Sieglaff) Duaime and his great-grandmother, Sylvia Davis.
On Wednesday, May 7, 2025, visitation will be held from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM, service and remembrance gathering to follow for all who want to join the family in remembering Connor and the light he brought to the world at Calvary Lutheran Church, 1301 S Ridge Rd, Green Bay, WI 54304.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Happily Ever After Animal Sanctuary or Green Bay Fear Haunted House.