Wendell T. Carlson

Wendell T. “Smokie” Carlson, 95, of Aledo died Wednesday, December 28, 2011 at Mercer County Hospital, Aledo. Graveside services are 11:00 a.m. Friday at the Aledo Cemetery. Visitation is 4 – 7 p.m. Thursday at Bewley Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Aledo. Memorials may be left to the Mercer County Family YMCA.

Smokie was born July 18, 1916 in Matherville, IL, the son of Alfred and Mamie Ferguson Carlson. He married Julia Smith on June 27, 1936 in Galesburg. She died on May 20, 2001.

He was retired from International Harvestor Farmall in 1973. He also was employed as a janitor for the Aledo School District and the Aledo Methodist Church. He was a member of the Matherville Masonic Lodge.

Smokie loved to watch the Iowa Hawkeyes play football and basketball and the grandchildren play sports. He enjoyed his animals.

Survivors (and spouses) include his daughters, Janice (Bill) Ruggles and Mary Kay Carlson, both of Aledo; grandchildren, Debbie (Craig) McCreight, Patty (Rodney) Whittington, Bob (Marcia) Carlson and Curt Carlson; 10 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Julia; infant son, Bill, son, Dick; brothers, Mocco and Ollie and sisters, Betty and Louise.