Elsie H. Carlson

Elsie Carlson, 99, of Temple, TX passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 27, 2024 with her daughters by her side. She was born on November 19, 1924, in Westphalia, TX to Hugo Halfmann and Mary Reinders Halfmann. She attended Westphalia schools. She married Leo Schneider on August 18, 1943, and had three daughters – twins Carolyn and Marilyn in 1944 and Kathy in 1953. Years after the passing of her first husband, she remarried John Carlson on April 7, 1973. She worked hard to help provide for her family and held jobs at O’Brien Manufacturing, Sears & Robuck, VA Canteen Services, and The Rosebud – all in Temple, TX. For fun she enjoyed dancing, playing bridge and dominoes, and defeating her grandchildren in Chinese checkers, war, Skipbo, and many other games. She was a lifelong, devout Catholic and attended St. Luke Catholic Church for over 50 years.

Elsie was a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend and will be dearly missed. She is survived by her daughters: twin Carolyn Hoelscher married to Jerome Hoelscher and Kathy Pelzel married to Alan Pelzel, and son-in-law Bill Kemp; and grandchildren: Pam Hoelscher, Melissa Evans married to Russell, Lloyd Hoelscher married to Jennifer, Randy Kemp married to Rachelle, Kimberly Knocke, Rebecca Barton married to Clay, Jessica Doskocil married to Paul, and Allison Pelzel, and 15 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by Leo Schneider, John Carlson, twin daughter Marilyn Kemp, granddaughter Jennifer Pelzel, sister Mildred Bruggman, and her parents.

A visitation will be held at St. Luke Catholic Church on Wednesday, July 31st at 10:00am with a rosary following at 10:30am. Her funeral will immediately follow at 11:00am, by Rev. John Guzaldo, to celebrate Elsie’s life. The service will be open to friends, family, and all those who were touched by Elsie’s presence. Burial will be at Westphalia Cemetery (144 CR 3000, Lott, TX 76656) after the conclusion of the funeral. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Luke Building Fund (2807 Oakdale Dr, Temple, TX 76502) or Amedisys Hospice Care (5293 S 31st St, Suite 125, Temple, TX 76502).

We are grateful for the outpouring of love and condolences from friends and the community. While our Mom/Mamaw is gone, she will forever be in our hearts and memories.