Mrs. Willodeane M. Carlson, 99, of Galesburg, Illinois, formerly of Alpha, Illinois, died at 11:52 p.m. Monday, May 11, 2026, at the Hawthorne Inn in Galesburg.
She was born June 14, 1926, in Galesburg, the daughter of Elvin and Nellie (Clute) Brown. She married Curtis E. Carlson on July 18, 1948, in Galesburg. He preceded her in death on May 29, 2003.
Surviving are two sons, Steve (and Karen Jacobs) Carlson and Lowell (and Nellie) Carlson; one daughter, Gloria Carlson; six grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Walter Brown and Duane Brown; a daughter-in-law, Cheryl Carlson; one grandchild; and one great-grandchild.
Willodeane attended school in Rio and graduated from Galesburg High School in 1944. She continued her education at Western Illinois University, earning her bachelor’s degree in 1948 and her master’s degree in 1971. She taught in the ROVA and AlWood School Districts for 27 years before retiring in 1987.
She was a member of Rio Presbyterian Church, a past matron of Order of the Eastern Star, and a member of the Rylander-Milroy American Legion Auxiliary, Rio Women’s Club, Illinois Education Association, and National Education Association.
Willodeane was an avid traveler who visited all 50 states and 25 countries. She also enjoyed golfing with her friends. Above all, she cherished time spent with her family.
Visitation will be from 12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m. Friday, June 12, 2026, at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Galesburg Chapel. Funeral services will follow at 1:00 p.m. at the chapel. Burial will be in Oak Lawn Memorial Gardens in Galesburg. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. Online condolences may be shared at www.h-p-w.com.
