Justine Carlson

Justine Carlson, 91, of Colona passed away Sunday, March 1, 2026 at Mercy One Genesis Illini Campus in Silvis.

A funeral mass will be 10:30am Thursday, 5, 2026 at Divine Mercy Parish St. Patrick’s Campus in Colona. Visitation will be 5-7pm Wednesday at Schroder Mortuary in Colona with a Rosary at 4:30pm. Burial will be at a later date in St. Joseph Cemetery in Joliet, IL. Memorials may be made to Easter Seals, Alleman High School, or Colona Fire Department.

Justine was born April 7, 1934 in Crest Hill, IL the daughter of Chris and Emma Fracaro Christopher. She married Ron Fernandez October 8, 1955 in Crest Hill, IL. From this marriage there are 2 sons. She later married Dorrance Carlson April 30, 1993 in Colona, IL.

Justine started her career at the Joliet Arsenal in 1955 and transferred to Armament Munitions Command in Rock Island in 1973. She retired in November of 1990 as a Supervisory Management Specialist after 35 years of service. She just celebrated her 35th year of retirement in November of 2025. Justine collected pewter, thoroughly enjoyed her grandchildren, and loved baking, cooking and sharing with family and friends. She was always ready to donate food and help those in need.

Survivors include her children Rick Fernandez of Burlington, IA and Dan (Katherine Miletich) Fernandez of Chicago, IL; grandsons Chip Rodgers of Oregon and Jack Fernandez of Moline; special grandson Garret Myers of Moline; sister Jacki (Don) Catour of Colona; Nephew Jim (Jenny) Legare of Colona; great niece Emma Legare of Colona; sisters in law Melody (Cliff) Cronk of Moline and Fran Mutz of Joliet; special friends Tommie (Frank) Miller, Bob (Maria) Myers, Kate Meeker, and Tom Gorman.

Justine was preceded in death by her parents, brother Marty Christopher, and a granddaughter Christine Fernandez.

Rick and Dan would like to give special thanks to Auntie Jacki and Uncle Don for the endless and devoted love and care they gave to our mom.