Mary Lou (Crnkovic) Carlson

Mary Lou Carlson (nee Crnkovic), age 75, at rest on Thursday, February 10, 2022 with her loving family by her side.

Mary Lou was a long-time resident of Joliet and graduate of St. Francis Academy class of 1964. She retired from Christian Brothers Services in 2011. Mary Lou volunteered at Taft School as Playground Supervisor, became a PTA member at Taft School and managed the St. Joe’s Baseball concessions stand for many years. She was an active member of the Joliet Moose Lodge #300. She loved playing Dominoes and Left, Center, Right with her friends at the Senior Center in Joliet. Mary Lou also enjoyed dancing, watching Elvis movies, The Golden Girls and listening to the music of Elvis, Frankie Avalon and her all-time favorite Ricky Nelson. She was a loving mother and grandmother who will be missed dearly.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Charles Crnkovic Sr. and Mary (nee Porvaznik) Crnkovic; brother Charles Crnkovic Jr.; son, Charles Carlson; and the father of her children, Roger B. Carlson.

Mary Lou is survived by her children, Roger Carlson, Holly (Anthony) Newman and Eric (Rose) Carlson; grandson, Gabriel Newman; granddaughter, Gianna Newman; and nephews, Charles Crnkovic III and Christopher Crnkovic.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Mary Lou’s name may be made to Lightways Hospice in Joliet.

A celebration of Mary Lou’s life will begin on Wednesday, February 16, 2022 with prayers in the funeral home chapel at 10:00 a.m. then driving in procession to St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Crest Hill for a Mass of Christian Burial to be held at 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be on Tuesday, February 15, 2022 at Tezak Funeral Home, 1211 Plainfield Road, Joliet from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.