Glenn C. Carlson, age 86, a resident of Windsor Park Manor in Carol Stream and Bethany Beach, Sawyer, Michigan and formerly a longtime resident of Joliet, died Sunday, January 2 at Edward Hospital in Naperville. He was born on December 7, 1924 in Joliet to Reuben and Mabel Carlson.

Glenn was born and raised in Joliet. After his high school graduation, he went into the United States Navy and served for three years in the Pacific Theatre. Following his discharge, he attended the Chicago Technical College, later known as the Illinois Institute of Technology, where he studied architectural engineering. Following that he worked for the Ragnar Benson Construction Company of Chicago. He made a decision to start his own construction company in Joliet where he spent many years building homes and school and using his heavy construction equipment to do underground projects and utilizing the equipment in the wintertime for snow removal. He also developed and owned a sand and gravel quarry in Channahon, Illinois, and after the sale of this company, he entered into his retirement years.

For many years, Glenn had a dream of opening a hot dog stand and after his retirement, he built and opened Papa Dog, a restaurant in Sawyer, Michigan on Red Arrow Highway, named by his granddaughter, Allison. Built in 1995, Papa Dog was a meeting place for many people in the community.

Glenn grew up in the First Covenant Church of Joliet. It was during his confirmation years that he committed his life to Jesus Christ. Glenn met Rachel Benson at a youth gathering at a church group at the First Baptist Church. They married on January 2, 1954 and lived in Joliet until 1990, when they retired to spend summers at Bethany Beach, Michigan and winters in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. He was an active member of the Lake Michigan Yacht Club in New Buffalo, MI for 31 years.

Glenn is survived by one daughter, Nancy (Ron) Nyberg of Naperville, one son, Tom Carlson of Minneapolis, MN, three grandchildren, Allison (Ben) Ferwerda of Ada, MI, Peter Nyberg of Chicago, and Erika Nyberg of Naperville, two great-grandchildren, Paige and Will Ferwerda, one brother, Carl (Carolyn) Carlson of Davenport, Florida and nieces and nephew, Holly Kerr, Sally Jones, Debbie Sievers, Diane Mangan and David Carlson. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Lois Jensen of Joliet.

He was preceded in death by his wife Rachel in August, his parents and one sister Bette Western.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 5, from 3 to 9 p.m. at Hultgren Funeral Home, 304 N. Main St. in Wheaton. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, January 6 at 11:00 a.m. at Naperville Evangelical Covenant Church, 1150 Hobson Rd. in Naperville, IL 60540.

Interment will be held privately at Riverside Cemetery in Three Oaks, Michigan.

Memorials may be directed to Covenant Harbor Bible Camp, 1724 Main Street Lake Geneva, WI 53147 262) 248-3600; or Harbert Community Church.

Information and guest book is available at hultgrenfh.com or call 630-668-0027.