Kimberly Ann Carlsen

Kimberly Carlsen, 54, passed away on Friday morning, April 25th in Puyallup, WA. Kim was born to Horace and Lois Hopkins in Richland, WA to a family with older sister Sharon, brother Ed, sister Bonnie, youngest sister Kerri, and foster brother Troy. She was born into a very musical home and began piano lessons at an early age. She grew into an accomplished pianist, and by the time she was in high school, she began playing for choirs and soloists as well as playing at church, writing and performing her own songs, and performing in a Christian singing group with friends.

While attending Pacific Lutheran University, she became heavily involved in the choral program, where she met her husband, John, in the University Chorale, and were married in 1981. Shortly after, she earned a degree in English and Education, as well as a minor in Special Education. She taught 6th-9th graders for a year in a one-room school house in South Prairie, WA, followed by four years for Puyallup Valley Christian School, where she taught 5th grade. The next year, Kim started teaching piano lessons, and continued for 26 years.

Central in her life was her Christian faith, which was woven into every relationship, pursuit, activity and decision she made. Kim significantly impacted many people through her involvement in her church, Bible Study Fellowship, and Deaf Ministry. Most recently, she touched many people personally, through her inspired devotional writings on Caring Bridge. From doctors and nurses to baristas and neighbors, Kim reached out unabashedly with Jesus’ love to every person she met.

Kim had an infectious smile, was highly creative, was always learning something new, and loved to bless those around her through her many talents of rubber stamping, scrapbooking, knitting, painting and writing.

Kim is survived by her husband John, and children John (and Gabri) and Kerri. She will be dearly remembered by her many friends and family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bible Study Fellowship International (http://tinyurl.com/nkvs3ts), Deaf Missions (http://tinyurl.com/q7r7zuf), and Gratia Missions (http://tinyurl.com/pk5h6m3), which is a ministry in Latin America training future Christian leaders and providing camping opportunities for impoverished children.