Mrs. Sally Louise Carlsen, 70, passed away on Sunday, August 17, 2025, at the Clarissa C. Cook Hospice Home after a brief illness.
Sally was born March 29, 1955, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the daughter of Henry R. and Hazel (Rintlemann) Tomczyk. She graduated from Nathan Hale High School in West Allis, Wisconsin in 1973, she later earned her master’s degree from Western Illinois University in 1996.
She married the love of her life, Kurt M. Carlsen, nearly 50 years ago in 1976 in West Allis, Wisconsin. Together they grew their family, adding a daughter, Sara and later a son, Matthew.
Sally worked as a speech language pathologist for West Central Illinois Hospitals and several nursing homes for over 27 years, retiring on November 1, 2023.
Sally volunteered her time as both a Girl Scout leader and a Boy Scout leader for her children’s troops. She was a collector of knick knacks, Isabel Blooms and Willow Tree figurines. She was a caregiver by nature, caring for her family and her parents until their passing. Sally was an active member and Sunday school teacher with Messiah Lutheran Church-Henderson Grove, where her husband Kurt, pastored. She also enjoyed spending time gardening.
Sally is survived by husband, Kurt; her children, Sara (Bryan) Scott of Littleton, Colorado and Matthew Carlsen of Burlington, Iowa and her two granddaughters, Lily Scott and Clara Olka-Hoffman.
Visitation will be from 9:00-11:00 am Saturday, August 23, 2025, at Messiah Lutheran Church- Henderson Grove. Funeral Services will follow at 11:00 am at the church with Pastor Jamie Gallagher officiating. Burial will be in Henderson Grove Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Messiah Lutheran Church or the charity of the donor’s choice. Hinchliff-Pears-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Galesburg Chapel is assisting her family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.h-p-w.com
