Jewel Marie Carlson

Jewel Marie Carlson

June 09, 1941 - April 13, 2026

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Obituary

LIVESTREAM SERVICE:

Jewel's Livestream Service will begin at 11 a.m. CT on Friday, May 22, 2026. Scroll down to the Webcast section and click on "Watch Now."


MADISON - Jewel Carlson, a wonderful woman of great faith, intelligence and class went to her heavenly home on Monday, April 13, 2026. She was born June 9, 1941, to Carol Mae Bechtolt and Herschel Scholl in Rockford, Ill. On August 8, 1964, she married the love of her life, Ron Carlson and they shared 52 years of love and travel adventures, along with 13 winters in Palm Desert, Calif. Over the years, Jewel and Ron had five wonderful Wheaton Terriers and after Ron passed, Jewel treasured her little Karli, a Havanese.


An integral part of Jewel's life was her spiritual life nurtured by Blackhawk Church. Blackhawk community provided a place for Jewel to grow in her faith and to thrive and share her many talents within various volunteer opportunities.


Jewel's early career included working in the Portage Project before she transferred to the Madison Metropolitan School District as a speech and language therapist/teacher in Early Childhood- Special Education, the TALK program and finally as an Autism Support Specialist. In all aspects of her career, she was innovative, child-centered, articulate about child development, and supportive of both students and staff. Her problem-solving approach was valued by all as she so professionally modeled it. After she retired, she continued to share her talents as an educational consultant.


After Jewel retired, she enjoyed many activities some of which included baking, (especially large muffins and granola), visiting friends near and far, volunteering at Willy Street Co-op and local food pantries, hosting social events in her home, reading, cheering UW women's hockey and volleyball teams, attending classical musical concerts and plays, researching and eating healthy foods, and "hunting for the best deals”.


Jewel is survived by her brother, Lou; nephews, Karl and Paul; and many close and loving friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ron Carlson. Jewel was an angel for many and will be greatly missed by all.


A celebration of Jewel's life will be held at BLACKHAWK COMMUNITY CHURCH, 9620 Brader Way, Middleton, at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 22, 2026. All are invited after the service to enjoy a light lunch and to share favorite Jewel memories and stories.


In lieu of flowers, contributions in Jewel's name may be made to St. Vincent de Paul or Agrace HospiceCare. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.


Gunderson West

Funeral & Cremation Care
7435 University Ave.
(608) 831-6761



Events

22
Celebration of Life
Fri May 22, 2026 @ 11:00 AM - 11:45 AM CDT
Blackhawk Church • 9620 Brader Way, Middleton, WI 53562
Get Directions
22
Luncheon After Service
Fri May 22, 2026 @ 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM CDT
Blackhawk Church • 9620 Brader Way, Middleton, WI 53562
Get Directions

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Memories

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AC
A Memorial Tree was planted for Jewel Carlson
Other •
We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ Gunderson Funeral Home - Middleton
KC
Katie Christenson
Other •
Shared a photo.
KC
Katie Christenson
Other •
Jewel was and continues to be a very important part of our family. She was our "Madison Grandma." Her love and light and faith inspired us many times over the years. We got to know Jewel and Ron when they led a Bible study group at Blackhawk Church. Jewel is so deeply loved and we were all lucky to experience her joyful light. Love, Andy, Katie, Grant, Evan abd Cole
ES
Edwina Steel
Other •
Jewel was my angel. I met her when going through cancer treatments in 2019. She persisted in learning what I could eat so she could bring me a meal. Her roasted veggies were perfectly healthy. We became friends and I called her my Jewel. Her, Shirley Mincer and I became lunch buddies and I found her to be a wonderful mentor. We never got our next lunch date together nor our visit to see her in hospital, but I shall always cherish the times we had together and seeing her joy in making burp pads for babies in Mother Child Care. I gave her a lot of baby fabric I wasn’t able to sew at that time and she certainly did an amazing job. I can still picture her. One day we will meet again but I sure miss you my sweet Jewel. Thank you for the wonderful memories I have of you. Edwina
L
Lois
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Our friendship was very special to me. Rest in Peace, dear Jewel.
EM
Eric Fleming - St. Vincent de Paul Madison
Other •
Lou, Karl, and Paul, our continued condolences and prayers on the passing of Jewel. She was an excellent volunteer and supporter to St. Vincent de Paul. Her concern and care for our community was truly inspiring. Thank you God for the gift of Jewel! May the perpetual light shine upon her. She is missed by many of our volunteers, members, and staff. With gratitude for a life well lived. -Eric Fleming and everyone at St. Vincent de Paul - Madison.

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