Akiko T. Carlson

Akiko Tanaka Carlson, 83, of Galesburg, died at 12:45 p.m. Friday, November 10, 2017 at Unity Point Methodist Medical Center, Peoria. Akiko was born on February 26, 1934 in Tokyo, Japan the daughter of Jusaku and Satsuki Tanaka.  She married Robert Carlson in Japan.  She moved to the United States in 1956.  She is survived by one son, David Carlson of Galesburg; one daughter, Charlotte Carlson Vancil of Gilson; two brothers, Kiichiro and Shouzo Tanaka both of Japan; one sister, Katsuko Kasahara of Japan; and four grandchildren, Elizabeth (Aaron) Carlson Simmons, Drew Carlson, Colton Vancil, and Carsen Vancil.  Akiko was preceded in death by her parents; two sons, Robert and Steven Carlson; one brother, Shinshichi Tanaka; one sister, Shigeko Ookubo; and a grandson, Adam Carlson. Akiko graduated from business college in Japan.  She worked as a seamstress for many years in the Galesburg area, working at Blaine Gorham’s Custom Drapes, Schubach’s, and Continental Clothing.  She was a longtime member of First Lutheran Church and volunteered at Galesburg Cottage Hospital for over 40 years. She loved to sew and watch her grandchildren’s sporting events.  She also enjoyed flower gardening and traveling. Visitation will be 1 to 2 p.m. Thursday, November 16, 2017 at Watson-Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg.  Graveside services will follow at 2:30 p.m. at the Henderson Cemetery, Henderson, IL.  A celebration of life will follow the graveside at Cactus Country in Galesburg.