Norma Lois Carlson, age 90, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, July 19 while living with her daughter, Nancy Welman in Wheaton, Illinois. She was a long time resident of Sawyer, Michigan since her husband's retirement in 1983. Prior to retirement they lived in Hammond, Indiana and Lansing, Illinois. She had lived in Wheaton since December of 2011.

Norma was born on June 13, 1922 to Hilma and Raymond Martin in La Mollie, Illinois. She was saved at age 9 and her life verse is Proverbs 3:5-6.

Norma worked as a telephone switchboard operator during World War II and then upon receiving her FCC Radio Telephone license worked at the Moody Bible Institute radio station WMBI as a control room operator. It was at Moody where she met her husband Walter B. Carlson who preceded her in death in 1988. Walter was a news anchorman for 41 years at WMBI.

Norma was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. Her family and faith in God were the most important things in her life. We appreciate mom for her diligence in raising her children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. For her prayers year in and year out. For her love and encouragement and for always being there. Mom, this poem is for you:

MOTHER

Twenty-four hours of every day
Your time and love you gave away
Pointing us to Jesus above
Teaching us of His saving love

I find comfort in knowing that when our lives end
Together in Heaven we will meet again.
Though here there will be much sorrow...
With joy we will meet in God's tomorrow.

For you there is no price!
You gave of your wealth;
Yourself, your life!

Thanks so much for everything MOM!
We love you oodles and eeps and lotsy lots!!
See you soon
Forever your daughter, Mary

Norma was preceded in death by her son Paul in 1971. She is survived by 5 daughters and 1 son, Judy (Walter) McGehee, Nancy (Blaine) Welman, Timothy (Wendy) Carlson, Debby Melle, Mary (Glenn) Rolley, and Martha (John) Jones. Norma leaves behind 17 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild.

A visitation will be held Thursday, July 26 from 10:00am until the time of the service at 11:00am at Village Green Baptist Church, 200 S. Lambert Rd., Glen Ellyn, IL 60137. Interment will be at Riverside Cemetery near Sawyer Michigan later that afternoon.

Family and friends may sign a guest book at hultgrenfh.com. For more information, please call Hultgren Funeral Home at 630-668-0027, or Village Green Baptist Church at 630-469-4400.