James Anthony Carlsen

James Anthony Carlsen obituary

James Anthony Carlsen

James Carlsen Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by G.L. Hills Funeral Home, Ltd. on Jul. 30, 2025.

Publish in a newspaper

James Anthony Carlsen, 86, of Des Plaines, Illinois, passed away on May 4, 2025. James was born on September 1, 1938 to the late Clarence and Katherine (nee Sakmary) Carlsen. He was an electrician and a proud member of the local IBEW #134. James is survived by his wife Joanne Cote-Carlsen, daughters Debra Carlsen, Sandra (Harold Christopher) Carlsen, Barbara (Guido) Germana, Laura Carlsen, Tamara Carlsen, and stepson Joseph (Beatrice) Cheslak. He is also survived by his sister, Judy (the late Kenneth) Thomas, grandchildren Richard Germana, Christina Germana, Brandi Boettcher, Hanna (Dillon) April, Rocky Sbravati, and great-granddaughter Lucy Fetterly. Visitation will be Wednesday, May 14, 2025 from 10:00am until the time of Mass at 11:00am at St. Zachary Parish, 567 W. Algonquin Road, Des Plaines, Illinois. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in James' name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html. For information, please call the funeral home at 847-699-9003 or visit www.glhillsfuneralhome.com.

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

G.L. Hills Funeral Home, Ltd.

745 Graceland Avenue, Des Plaines, IL 60016

Make a Donation
in James Carlsen's name

Please consider a donation as requested by the family.

How to support James'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 James Carlsen'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

Sign James Carlsen's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?