David Carlson

David James “Dave” Carlson, 71, of Waukegan, Illinois, passed away unexpectedly, yet peacefully, in his sleep. He was born December 2, 1954, in Waukegan, Illinois, to the late Edwin E. Carlson and Clare Carlson (née Wastack).

Dave devoted 30 years to serving as a United States Letter Carrier at the Lake Bluff, Illinois Post Office. He served for many years as a Union Steward and remained active with the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) into his retirement, attending state and national conventions, local retired letter carriers' lunches, and other NALC gatherings.

After retiring from the Postal Service, Dave worked at Enterprise Rent-A-Car in Zion and later spent more than two years as an usher at the Genesee Theatre in Waukegan, where he enjoyed being around the many musicians who performed there.

Dave met Christine L. Mattson in 1989, and their friendship grew into a lifelong romance. They married in September 1994 and shared more than three decades together. They welcomed their daughter, Jacqueline, in August 1999.

Music was one of Dave's greatest passions. An avid Stevie Ray Vaughan fan and lifelong blues enthusiast, Dave played guitar and founded the band Crossroads in 1990. For more than 35 years, he performed throughout the Lake County and Kenosha County areas and attended countless jam sessions, forming lasting friendships with musicians throughout the region. Christine was his drummer before they married, and together they shared their love of music with their daughter. Dave later helped Jackie learn guitar, navigate the music business, and set up and run sound for her performances as she began her own musical journey.

Dave was clean and sober since 1988 and proudly considered himself a friend of Bill W. He encouraged and supported many others in their own sobriety and formed lifelong friendships along the way. He was also involved in MDA fundraising and received MDA Benefit awards for his efforts.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin E. Carlson and Clare Carlson (née Wastack); his brother, Richard Carlson; and his father-in-law, Robert W. Mattson.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Christine L. Carlson (née Mattson); daughter, Jacqueline Carlson; brother Ronald Carlson and his wife, Barb Carlson; favorite niece, Clare Carlson; mother-in-law, Diane Mattson (née Hawk); his Crossroads bandmates; extended Carlson and Mattson family; fellow musicians; former postal colleagues; friends of Bill W.; and many dear friends whose lives he touched.

Dave will be deeply missed and forever remembered through the music he loved, the friendships he cherished, and the many lives he touched.

Visitation will be held  on Monday, August 24, 2026 from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. at the Congdon Funeral Home, 3012 Sheridan Road, Zion.  The funeral service will begin at 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

A Musical Celebration of Life will be held at Club Tiki in Waukegan, IL on Monday, August 31, 2026 from 6:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m.

Friends, family, colleagues, and fellow musicians will honor Dave’s life and legacy by playing many of his favorite songs together, sharing stories, and celebrating Dave’s rich life through friendship, music, love, and community. 

In lieu of flowers donations to the family would be appreciated.