Diane R. Carlson

Diane R. (Beeson) Carlson, age 77, of Galesburg, Illinois died at 6:08 P.M. on Friday, August 25, 2017 at OSF Richard Owens Hospice Home in Peoria, Illinois. She was born on January 13, 1940 in Waukegan, Illinois (Lake County), the daughter of Harold and Ruth (Cliff) Beeson. She graduated from St. Theresa’s School of Nursing. She married Richard Cyganek in 1961, later marrying Jim Carlson in 1985 in Galesburg, Illinois. Diane was destined to follow in her mother’s footsteps in the nursing field, becoming an outstanding pediatrics registered nurse. She worked at St. Theresa’s Hospital and Victory Hospital in Waukegan and finished her nursing career at OSF St. Mary’s Hospital in Galesburg, Illinois. She loved helping and caring for her patients. When not working, she cherished the time she could be with her grandchildren. She also was an avid gardener. Diane also loved to fish and could spend hours in the boat fishing the Mississippi and Illinois rivers. The past few years she loved being with her best friend and loyal companion, Sammy the dog. Diane was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother to her family and will be greatly missed. She is survived by her husband; Jim Carlson of Galesburg, Illinois, two children; Cindy (Tom) Pietschman of Waukegan, Illinois, James (Aunyarat) Cyganek of Thailand, two step-children; Sandi (David) Smith of Atlanta, Georgia, Doug (Shirley) Carlson of Aurora, Illinois, two grandchildren; Amber Pietschman, Tyler Pietschman, four step-grandchildren; Megan (James) Taylor, Alexander Carlson, Justyna Carlson, Ella Carlson, and a great-grandson; Brandon Pietschman. She is also survived by one sister; Barbara Pfluegal of Waukegan, Illinois, and a sister-in-law; Joan Carlson of Galesburg, Illinois. She was preceded in death by her parents and one sister; Jeanie Hinkle. Cremation Rites will be accorded at the Hurd-Hendricks Funeral Homes & Crematory in Knoxville, Illinois. At her request there will be no services at this time. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Diane R. Carlson please visit our Sympathy Store.