Dr. Bruce Elbert Carlson MD

The funeral mass for Dr. Carlson will be live-streamed, please click here to join us virtually.

Dr. Bruce Carlson, a dedicated internist from Barrington, Illinois, passed away on June 15, 2023, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, expertise, and countless lives touched by his care. He was 74 at the time of his death.

Born on December 11, 1948 in Keokuk, Iowa, Dr. Carlson discovered his passion for medicine at an early age. He obtained his medical degree from the University of Illinois and went on to complete his residency in internal medicine at the University of Southern California, where he excelled in his field.

Throughout his career, Dr. Carlson made a significant impact on the lives of his patients. Known for his exceptional bedside manner and unwavering commitment to their well-being, he earned the respect and admiration of both colleagues and patients alike. His dedication to providing comprehensive and compassionate care will forever be remembered.

Beyond his professional achievements, Dr. Carlson cherished the time he spent with his family. He was a loving husband to Joan for 46 years, and a proud father to David, Ken and Tom. Beyond medicine, his greatest joy was family, and he loved every moment spent with his grandchildren, Olivia, Bridger, Thatcher, Lachlan, Jo, and Elle, who called him BomBom.

Dr. Carlson had an empathy and love for people through his practice of medicine and being a founding member, in 1981, of the local hospice and palliative care group, Journey Care/HAP Foundation, where he continued serving as a Board Member until his death.

A memorial visitation to celebrate Dr. Bruce Carlson's life will be held on June 23rd, 4:00-8:00pm, at Davenport Funeral Home, 941 S. Old Rand Road, Lake Zurich, Illinois. Mass will be at 10:30am, June 24th at St. Anne’s Church, 120 Ela Street, Barrington, Illinois.  In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) and the HAP Foundation, as these were causes close to Dr. Carlson's heart.

Dr. Bruce Carlson will be deeply missed by his family, friends, colleagues, and the countless patients whose lives he touched. BomBom lived his life as if he won the lottery of life, and would often exclaim as much. His infectious optimism was palpable. He loved his family and friends, doctoring, ice cream, Manhattans, and particularly his grandchildren.

We will miss our BomBom dearly. He was truly the best.