Douglas J. Carlson, 70, of Belvidere, IL, died peacefully with family by his side on July 7, 2025, in Rockford, IL.  He was born March 28, 1955, son to Dave and Beatrice (Nettleblad) Anderson. Douglas graduated high school and married Cheryl Carlson on July 11, 1988. He was employed at Chrysler Automotive in Belvidere and Cassen's Auto Transport before retirement.
He enjoyed baseball as a student where he went on to be inducted into the Hurley Baseball Hall Of Fame in 1973. Doug was an avid Green Bay Packer fan.  Together, Douglas and his late wife, Cheryl enjoyed flea markets, playing poker and spending winters in Florida. He loved his weekly cribbage games and playing golf. On the outside, Doug was a gruff man, but on the inside he was a big teddy bear who held you as a friend for life.
He will be loved and missed by all of his cousins, in-laws, Penny and Denny Hoelzel; Duane Harma (Uncle); and nephews, Madox and Peyton Hoelzel.
Douglas was preceded in death by his parents; Ed Carlson (stepfather); wife, Cheryl and Lorraine Hoelzel.
Cremation Rites have been accorded. A celebration of life will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, August 2, 2025, at the VFW in Belvidere.  To share a memory, please visit www.andersonfcs.com.