Ralph Carlson

Ralph H. Carlson, loving husband, father, grandfather, and coach, passed away on December 22, 2025, at the age of 83.

He was born November 11, 1942, in Belvidere, Illinois, to Chester and Violet (Mathison) Carlson. On March 13, 1970, he married the love of his life, Mary Lou. Ralph left a lasting impression on those he worked with or supervised during his over 45 years at GC/Waldom Electronics.

Ralph was admired for his wit, athleticism, and his deep devotion to Mary Lou. His legacy also includes his role as a coach that spanned decades - in particular, as a softball coach for the Adrenaline. Ralph was an incredible role model on and off the field to many.

A devoted father to daughters Hazel Ann and Cindy, Ralph took pride in his family and the life he built with them. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the greatest joy of his and Mary Lou's lives. Time spent with family meant everything to Ralph.

An avid sports fan, he loved watching and talking about sports, especially Chicago teams. The final game he watched was the Chicago Bears' memorable 22-16 overtime comeback win over the Green Bay Packers on December 20.

Ralph spent countless hours golfing, refining his game and jokingly blaming the club for missed shots. He played at a high level well into his 80s across North Carolina and Myrtle Beach. He was widely known as "Grandpa Ralph" on the Almost Average Golf Channel, including a viral 22-foot putt capped with his signature line: "It's just routine."

Ralph is survived by his daughters, Hazel Ann Rush and Cindy (Billie Spatafora) Stoltz; grandchildren Corey (Elizabeth) Rush, Rob (Jennifer) Stoltz, Amanda (Anthony) Scannicchio, Keegan (Sara) Rush, and Jordan Stoltz; siblings Jeanette Morris and Leonard (Stephanie) Carlson; sister-in-law Inge Carlson; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Lou; his parents; his brother, Harold; his sisters, Alice and June; and his brothers-in-law, Carroll, Spencer, and Lawrence.

A gathering to honor Ralph's life will be planned at a later date in the Rockford area.