Aura Estella Carlson

Aura Estella "Esty" Carlson, 91, died February 11, 2016 at Rolling Hills Manor in Zion, IL. Esty was born March 20, 1924 in Waukegan, IL. She graduated from Waukegan High School and attended school in Lake Forest briefly. Esty married Robert Carlson on April 12, 1958. She retired from Abbott Laboratories. She was a devoted life long member of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Waukegan having served in many positions including choir director and organist. The cornerstones in Esty’s life were here Finnish Heritage, music, and her faith. Esty is survived by her step-children Carol Kellogg, Dennis Carlson and John Carlson; and her nieces Christine Marquis, Helen Ostman; and nephews Ronald Haley, Jr. And William Erickson. She was preceded in death by her husband Robert Carlson; parents Andrew and Minnie Reilio; brother Ade Reilio; sister Erita Reilio Haley; and a niece Bonnie Miller. The family would like to thank the staff at Rolling Hills Manor for the care and passion they gave to Aura. A visitation will be held Monday, February 15, 2016 from 10:00 until 11:00 a.m. at St. Mark’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 3350 N. Delany Rd., Waukegan, IL. A funeral will follow at 11:00 a.m. at the church with Pastor Jeffrey Koth officiating. Interment will follow at Warren Cemetery in Gurnee, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to St. Mark’s Evangelical Lutheran Church have been suggested.