Peder Carlson

Peder Anker Carlson, 95, of Machesney Park, went to receive his eternal reward from Jesus, on January 2, 2026, at Beloit Memorial Hospital. He was born in Chicago, on May 14, 1930, son of Henning and Thora (Oliversen) Carlson. Peder defied death on two different occasions. At 5 years old he almost drowned and at 8 years old he was near bottle rockets that exploded, and he was in the line of fire. God clearly had a plan for Peder since he survived both of these life-threatening accidents.

Peder graduated from Northwestern with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and minor in calculus. He then got his Masters of Divinity degree from McCormick Seminary and University of Dubuque, Iowa, and went on to become a pastor. He was initially called into the ministry at Schapville Zion Presbyterian Church (7 yrs); then Calvary Presbyterian in Roundlake (7 yrs); Bethany Presbyterian Church, in Loves Park, for 30 years and was given the title Pastor Emeritus in 1999. Then moved to Waterman Presbyterian Church in Waterman (7 yrs). Peder’s final calling was to serve as senior pastor at First Presbyterian Church of Belvidere, now known as Our Family of Faith Presbyterian Church (from 2019-2026).

Peder married Carol “Janet” Bates on June 5, 1954. She was the love of his life, and he enjoyed serving the Lord with her by his side. They took care of their parishioners together, whether it was visiting them in the hospital or their homes. They always greeted the congregation together and supported each other with their individual goals in and out of the church.

In addition to leading souls to Jesus, Peder enjoyed fishing, boating, and especially golfing in his free time. He also enjoyed traveling and having adventures with his sons. He loved to take them anywhere and everywhere, showing them all the things he didn’t get to do as a child growing up. Peder loved his boys and was proud of each one of them. Peder’s love for his family extended to his parents and grandparents. He became their caretakers when they became unable to care for themselves.

Survivors include his sons Peter and Paul Carlson, Thomas (Charissa) Carlson, Brian Carlson, and Greg (Lisa) Carlson; grandchildren Jennifer (Connor) Ruper, Katy (Bret) Gerhardt, Beth Carlson, Zachary (Erica) Healy, Jessica (Ian) Berdei, Victoria (Rick) Fielding, Mara (Jesse) Thibodeaux; 14 great-grandchildren; brothers Henry and Jack Carlson; and several nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents; wife Jan Carlson; and brother Richard Carlson.

A Memorial Service will be held at 3 pm, Friday, January 9, 2026, at Bethany Presbyterian Church, 5403 N. 2nd St., Loves Park, IL 61111. Stateline Cremations is assisting the family, 6204 Forest Hills Rd. Loves Park, IL 61111. www.statelinecremations.com