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Starks Family Funeral Homes & Cremation Services - Starks & Menchinger Chapel
2650 Niles Rd
St. Joseph,
MI
49085
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“Mrs. McPherson was probably one, if not the best teacher, I have ever had the pleasure to have. I remember having class with her in first and second...Read More »
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1 of 79 | Posted by: Kelsi Gast - Indian Trail, NC
“My thoughts and prayers go out to the McPherson and Hildebrand families. I went to school with Carla from kindergarten through high school graduation...Read More »
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2 of 79 | Posted by: Nicky (Lee) Hoffman - Oshkosh, WI
“i remember when i was still at Lincoln she would say hi to me at school and ask me nicely not to run in the hallways cause i was a troublemaker and...Read More »
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3 of 79 | Posted by: grace sheldon - st. joseph 49085, MI
“Mrs. McPherson was an amazing teacher! She was fun because she let us play lots of math games and she helped me with science and writing and reading...Read More »
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4 of 79 | Posted by: Olivia Veersma
“I always enjoyed Carla"s class room environment. She taught my daughter during her first and second grade. She was an asset to the St Joseph Schools .
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5 of 79 | Posted by: Andrea L Putnam Struble - MI
“Carla was an amazing teacher, and I always admired her for what a great job she did with the kids she taught. My daughter Molly, now in 6th grade,...Read More »
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6 of 79 | Posted by: Erin VerHage - St. Joseph, MI
“I began teaching, at Lincoln Elementary in St. Joe the same year Carla started working there (1991). I am SO sorry to hear this news. Carla was an...Read More »
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7 of 79 | Posted by: Michelle Potter - Ann Arbor, MI
“We are so sorry to learn of Carla's passing. Neither our son, Devon, nor our daughter, Jordan, had Carla as a teacher while at Lincoln, but they...Read More »
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8 of 79 | Posted by: Todd and Peggy Rose and family - MI
“Dear Norm and Girls,
Our whole family is saddened by your loss. We hope you will find comfort now at this inexpressible time, and hope you will...Read More »
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9 of 79 | Posted by: Jennifer Siek - Saint Joseph, MI
“Dear Norm, Leah and Sarah,
We were so sorry to hear of Carla's passing. She was a very special lady and will always be missed. We pray that God...Read More »
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10 of 79 | Posted by: Rick and Cheryl Dresser - NC
“Mrs. McPherson was my kindergarten teacher in 1979, and also a good friend of my parents (Jack & Shirley Lindstrom) in Merill, WI. Although it has...Read More »
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11 of 79 | Posted by: Mela Krick - Hastings, MN
“Carla touched so many lives in a beautiful way with her kindness and smile. She was a great teacher...I still remember the fun our girls had during...Read More »
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12 of 79 | Posted by: Phyllis Nelson - Benton Harbor, MI
“Carla will be sadly missed by all. She touched many children's lives (including my own) and I cannot tell her family enough how much she meant to my...Read More »
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13 of 79 | Posted by: Jennifer Young - St. Joseph, MI
“Dear Norm,
I had the pleasure of being in a Woman's Bible Study with Carla a couple of years ago. Carla was always "down to earth" but now she is ...Read More »
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14 of 79 | Posted by: Colleen Burt (Reschke) - MI
“Carla was a wonderful mentor to me for two years while I taught first and second grade at Lincoln. Being my second year of teaching, and filled with...Read More »
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15 of 79 | Posted by: Jamie Huber - St. Joseph, MI
“Our deepest sympathy to your family. Carla was a wonderful person and great teacher. My daughter Madelyn had her for two years and I helped in her...Read More »
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16 of 79 | Posted by: Brenda Wright - St. Joseph, MI
“Our payers are with you at this tender time. In the midst of saddness we are comforted with the words of our Lord "Because I live you will live also....Read More »
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17 of 79 | Posted by: Rev and Mrs Robert Weikart - FL
“Carla will be missed so very much by the Lincoln School family. My son had Carla for 1st and 2nd grade. He struggled with writing and she always...Read More »
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18 of 79 | Posted by: Claire Gillespie - Saint Joseph, MI
“Dear Norm and Girls,
Keeping you in prayers that God will grant you His peace.
In Christ,
Linda
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19 of 79 | Posted by: Linda Williams - Benton Harbor, MI
“Carla was a good friend during our time in St. Joseph. We were shocked at the news of her passing, but we're assured that we will all be reunited in...Read More »
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20 of 79 | Posted by: Judy and Barry Sommerfield - MI
“I had Mrs. McPherson for kindergarten at Trinity a long, long time ago. I have a lot of fond memories from starting school, and most of them are of...Read More »
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21 of 79 | Posted by: Matthew Starner - Wyoming, MI
“To Joan Kern and family,
We are very sorry to hear about the death of your sister. We know this is a great loss for you, but, at the same time,...Read More »
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22 of 79 | Posted by: Gerry and Linda Drews - friend
“Carla will certainly be missed by all who have been touched by her and her kindness. She was an inspiring teacher. We are all better people for...Read More »
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23 of 79 | Posted by: The McCoy Family (Doug, Marianna and Katie) - CA
“Mrs. McPherson was the best teacher my son has ever had. She was very firm, pushing all of the kids to be the best they could be, while at the same...Read More »
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24 of 79 | Posted by: Jenny - Saint Joseph, MI
“We remember what a wonderful and gifted teacher Carla was at Trinity. She knew how to keep the students interested in learning. Her dedication to...Read More »
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25 of 79 | Posted by: Rev. and Mrs. Paul Koehneke and Karen Koehneke - MI
“I never actually met Carla, but I have heard so many good stories about her. She loved her students and they loved her. Her co-workers revered her.
...Read More »
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26 of 79 | Posted by: Mitzi Tompkins - SJ, MI
“I remember that Mrs McPherson taught me how to tell time, read and write. She was so fun to have as a teacher. Mrs. McPherson made sure each student...Read More »
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27 of 79 | Posted by: Will C - Saint Joseph, MI
“Dear Norm, Sarah, and Leah,
My heart is full of sadness and it's so hard to believe that Carla can be gone. Yet when I think of her, I see her smile...Read More »
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28 of 79 | Posted by: Chris Dixon - Saint Joseph, MI
“Dear Norm, Family & Friends,
We were privileged to have Carla as the first and second grade teacher for two of our sons, Casey and Conall. Please...Read More »
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29 of 79 | Posted by: Jane & Tighe Curran - MI
“Dear Norm and Girls,
When you look up great teacher in the dictionary the picture next to the definition would most likely be a picture of Carla! ...Read More »
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30 of 79 | Posted by: Chad Mandarino - St. Joseph, MI
“Dear Norm and girls,
I am truly saddened by Carla's passing. I used to see Norm & Carla walking by our house and the only reason I noticed is...Read More »
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31 of 79 | Posted by: Janeen, Mark & Ross Zerbe - MI
“To Leah and family - I am so sorry to hear of your loss, I recently lost my father and know your pain. I hope and pray that your sadness will be...Read More »
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32 of 79 | Posted by: Myra Mohney - Schoolcraft, MI
“I had the privilege of having my children in Carla's class for almost 4 years straight. First, my twin boys Sam and Zach were in her class, and now...Read More »
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33 of 79 | Posted by: Kristy - St. Joseph, MI
“Dear Norm,
I was deeply saddened to hear of Carla’s passing. She was a constant smiling and supportive presence while you taught and mentored me...Read More »
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34 of 79 | Posted by: Kim Piontek - Plainfield, IL
“Mrs.McPherson was a very very good teacher and was also very nice. I will always remember her and I miss her a lot.
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35 of 79 | Posted by: Sam - st joe, MI - past student
“Dear Norm and Girls,
You surely know that Carla made the world a better place. May it comfort you to know that so many others share this feeling. I...Read More »
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36 of 79 | Posted by: Nancy Fette - St. Joseph, MI
“She taught me how to read and how to write. I feel so lucky to have been in her class for 2 years! I'm in 4th grade now, but I always liked to go...Read More »
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37 of 79 | Posted by: zach mandarino - st joseph, MI
“Mrs McPherson, she was the BEST teacher!! I loved her because she always taught us new things in math, science, and especially writing. We had the...Read More »
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38 of 79 | Posted by: Ally Mandarino - st joseph, MI
“What a wonderful teacher to begin our lives at SJPS. We were extremely blessed by having Carla as my son's first and second grade loop teacher. Two...Read More »
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39 of 79 | Posted by: Marcy Shinrock - St. Joseph, MI
“Norm,Leah and Sara,
You are in my Prayers and thoughts.
Chuck Wood
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40 of 79 | Posted by: Chuck Wood - Friend
“Norm,Leah and Sara,
You are in my Prayers and thoughts.
Chuck Wood
”
41 of 79 | Posted by: Chuck Wood - Friend
“Norm, Leah, Sarah and family,
Our heart goes out to you at this most unexpected and difficult time. May the promises of the LORD God in Jeremiah...Read More »
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42 of 79 | Posted by: Pastor Jon Bendewald - St Joseph, MI
“Norm and girls-We are so very sorry for the loss of your wonderful wife and loving mother. Carla always had a smile on her face and touched many...Read More »
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43 of 79 | Posted by: Denise Bohn Stewart - St. Joseph, MI
“I only had the privilege of meeting Mrs. McPherson a few times, but on both occasions she was very warm and welcoming. I know how close Sarah was to...Read More »
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44 of 79 | Posted by: Jennifer Carmody - Fayetteville, NC
“NORM
MY HEART ACHES FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.
CARLA AND I HAD SO MUCH FUN SHARING STORIES WHEN I WAS DOING HER HAIR,MANY YEARS AGO.SHE IS A...Read More »
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45 of 79 | Posted by: PEGGY DAY/STINSON - ST.JOSEPH, MI
“Dear Norm, Leah, and Sarah,
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family.
She has made my teaching with her for many,...Read More »
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46 of 79 | Posted by: Laine Watts - St. Joseph, MI
“Norm and daughters,
Praying for all of you at this difficult time but we all know Carla is in a wonderful place in the arms of her savior. My...Read More »
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47 of 79 | Posted by: Denise and Jaimie Lenardson family - MI
“Dear Norm and Family,
Harold and I would like to express our deepest sympathy to your family for your loss. Carla was a warm and dear person who...Read More »
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48 of 79 | Posted by: Katherine and Harold Kasischke - MI
“My family and I would like to extend our condolences to your family. You are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time in dealing with...Read More »
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49 of 79 | Posted by: Don and Kathy Needles - St.Joseph, MI
“Words cannot express my sadness at losing a dear teacher and friend. Carla always understood the needs and learning levels of my two children, Emma ...Read More »
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50 of 79 | Posted by: Laura Goos - St. Joseph, MI
“I remember when Mr. McPherson would bring Mrs. McPherson's lunch to school and just put his hand through the window for her. Mrs. McPherson would...Read More »
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51 of 79 | Posted by: Emma Goos - St. Joseph, MI
“My heart goes out to the McPherson family. I had Mrs. McPherson for my 1st and 2nd grade teacher at Lincoln. She was so fun and nice to the kids.
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52 of 79 | Posted by: Maddie B - MI
“Dear Norm,
My heart aches for you and your daughters. Over the years at Helpmates, listening to the relationship you and Carla shared, the time...Read More »
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53 of 79 | Posted by: Judith Thompson
“Twenty -six years ago, I met with Carla and sought her guidance in beginning our preschool program here at Trinity Lutheran Church in Paw Paw. Her...Read More »
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54 of 79 | Posted by: Deanna Hindenach - Paw Paw, MI
“Aunt Carla will be so very missed. Our favorite memories with aunt Carla were all the holidays we spent together. She always made her special baked...Read More »
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55 of 79 | Posted by: Eric and Mariam - St Joseph, MI
“Aunt Carla will be so very missed. Our favorite memories with aunt Carla were all the holidays we spent together. She always made her special baked...Read More »
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56 of 79 | Posted by: Eric and Mariam - St Joseph, MI
“To the entire McPherson Family:
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We hope that you are able to find some comfort knowing all of the lives...Read More »
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57 of 79 | Posted by: LaShon and Paul Day - Livonia, MI
“Carla will be greatly missed by the entire Lincoln School family. In the fall of 1991, she and I both came to Lincoln to teach the first/second...Read More »
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58 of 79 | Posted by: Gayle De Schaaf - St. Joseph, MI
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the McPherson and Hildebrand families.
We will always remember Carla as we watched her grow up across the street ...Read More »
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59 of 79 | Posted by: Dave & Shirley Treleven - Omro, WI
“Sarah, my thoughts and prayers go out to your whole family. Im so very sorry for your loss. May she rest in peace.
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60 of 79 | Posted by: Heather McMahan - Burlington, NC
“To the entire McPherson family... I am so so sorry for your loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers; now and for the days and weeks to come. ...Read More »
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61 of 79 | Posted by: Shari Holzapfel - St. Joe, MI
“I remember Carla as a very nice teacher, friendly, and always able to help if you had a question or needed something. I met her while working at...Read More »
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62 of 79 | Posted by: Jan Anderson - St. Joseph, MI
“Dear Norm, Leah and Sarah - I was so very saddened to hear of Carla's passing, especially so near to Christmas. My heart aches for you -- and I pray...Read More »
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63 of 79 | Posted by: Suz Schalon - Ada, MI - Friend
“What a wonderful example Mrs. McPherson was to so many children. My thoughts and prayers are with you McPherson family.
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64 of 79 | Posted by: Kimberley Shaffer - St Joseph, MI
“I began rememebering little things about Mrs. McPherson several days ago when she first became ill. She was not my teacher but is was present in my...Read More »
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65 of 79 | Posted by: Jennifer McCord-Castle - Buchanan, MI
“Mrs McPherson was a common adult figure & teacher during my years in school at Trinity Lutheran School. She was always giving of herself. Involved...Read More »
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66 of 79 | Posted by: Elizabeth Stouffer
“I am deeply saddened by the loss of Mrs. McPherson. I was hoping our Chase could have the same great start our Connor did when he had her for 1st and...Read More »
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67 of 79 | Posted by: Tracy Tobin - saint joseph, MI
“Best teacher ever!~ Connor Tobin
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68 of 79 | Posted by: Connor Tobin - saint joseph, MI
“Carla was such a wonderful mentor and friend. She always led by example, and never gave up on a student. She always had another trick in her bag to...Read More »
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69 of 79 | Posted by: Marci Wiesemes - dowagiac, MI
“Mrs. McPherson was a wonderful teacher! My son learned so much from her the two years he was with her - I will be forever grateful. My thoughts and...Read More »
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70 of 79 | Posted by: Ericca Williams - Saint Joseph, MI
“Although I didn't have Mrs. McPherson as a teacher, I knew her as a really nice woman. Some of my friends had her as a teacher, and they told me...Read More »
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71 of 79 | Posted by: Benjamin Johnston - St. Joseph, MI
“May God hold you and your family in the palm of his hand.
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72 of 79 | Posted by: Janice Ogonowski - Byron Center,, MI
“As Ann and I approached Trinity's kindergarten room door, her grip on my hand tightened, and I wondered if she would let go at all. Then we caught...Read More »
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73 of 79 | Posted by: Dottie Gietler - St Joseph, MI
“Carla's smile to me always said it all.
Earth is a desert drear Heaven is now her home!
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74 of 79 | Posted by: Howie/aka Santa - St. Joe, MI
“Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time; so sorry for your loss.
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75 of 79 | Posted by: Sandy (Koern) & Kevin Cockrum - MI
“Carla was indeed a fabulous woman. She truly made learning fun for the kids. I had the added pleasure of helping in her classroom the years she was...Read More »
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76 of 79 | Posted by: Cheryl Schadler - St. Joseph, MI
“Mrs. McPherson was a pretty nice teacher. I had her for 1st and 2nd grade,. We did a lot of reading together and I had a lot of fun in her class. I...Read More »
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77 of 79 | Posted by: Ben Schadler - St. Joseph, MI
“Carla,
You taught my son how to read, and taught me how to let the light bulb of reading go off in his head without worrying. When I panicked...Read More »
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78 of 79 | Posted by: Lisa Kelleher - St. Joseph, MI
“Carla you were the best. You taught my son Joseph how to love learning. He struggled in kindergarten and you were recommended as the teacher for...Read More »
”
79 of 79 | Posted by: Janet Beemer - St. Joseph, MI
Carla Jean McPherson, 63, of St. Joseph, MI was received into Heaven by her Lord and Savior on December 23, 2011 with friends and immediate family by her side.
A celebration of life service will be held on Wednesday, December 28 at Trinity Lutheran Church, 613 Court St., St. Joseph at 10:00 a.m. with Pastor Bob Barber officiating. Burial will follow at Riverview cemetery. Friends may call from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Tuesday at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd, St. Joseph. Memorial donations may be made to Lory's Place, Trinity Lutheran Church or The Samaritan Counseling Center.
Friends wishing to send a condolence may do so at the guest book at www.starks-menchinger.com
Carla was born on June 26, 1948, in Oshkosh, WI to Les and Sally Hildebrand. On July 25, 1970 she married Norm McPherson. They began their lives together in Louisville, KY where Carla taught 4th grade at Martin Luther School. In 1974, she and her husband moved to Merrill, WI where they continued their teaching careers. In 1981, they moved to St. Joseph. Carla taught Kindergarten at Trinity Lutheran School for 11 years and was instrumental in starting the now existing preschool. During the past 19 years, she taught a 1st and 2nd grade looping at Lincoln Elementary School.
Carla suffered a massive stroke on December 15th. She was a faithful, dedicated servant leader who cared deeply for children and their ability to learn. She will be dearly missed by her students and colleagues along with family and friends.
Carla loved to read, power walk, bike and spend time with her girls and family. Her deepest love is for her Lord closely followed by the love of her life, Norm and two wonderful daughters, Leah (Kalamazoo) and Sarah (Cameron Park, CA), and her dog, Sadie.
She is also survived by a sister, Joan Kern (Dennis) of St. Joseph, a brother Richard Hildebrand (Joyce) of Milford, IA, a brother, Robert Hildebrand of Omro, WI, her 95 year old mother also from Omro, WI and many loving nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father, Les Hildebrand.
Although we are grieving the loss of a beloved daughter, wife, mother, sister, aunt, teacher, and friend, we are comforted by the promised hope of eternal life.
