Mrs. Virginia Hillen (Hillen) Carlson

Mrs. Virginia Hillen Carlson, 97, of Galesburg, Illinois died 9:13 a.m. Saturday, August 26, 2023, at Marigold Health Care Center, Galesburg.

Virginia Hillen was the eldest daughter born to John and Martha (Jewell) Hillen on April 12, 1926, in Monmouth, Illinois.  She was raised on the family farm outside of Monmouth.  She attended schools in Monmouth and graduated from Monmouth High School in 1944.  She registered at Monmouth College to become a teacher.  However, due to the War, there was a shortage of teachers, so she began her career while in college.  She taught in a one room schoolhouse, Windy Ridge, while going to school full time.  She continued teaching, obtaining her Bachelor of Arts degree in 1950. 

On May 4, 1951, she married Dean Carlson in Monmouth.  Together they had four children, Linda (and John) Nelson, Charles (and Crash) Carlson, Gordon (and Lish) Carlson, and Bob (and Cathy) Carlson. 

Virginia continued to teach full time for several years and then continued as a substitute teacher for many years, all in School District 205.  When she retired from teaching, she went on to work with handicapped children and senior citizens, caring for them at home and in institutions. 

She was a member of the Western Illinois Chapter of the American Red Cross, as well as a part of the Red Cross Disaster service.  She was very proud to go to Haiti to assist and help people following a hurricane.  She was a lifetime member of the First United Methodist Church in Galesburg.  She was also active in the Warren County Genealogical Society for many years. 

Virginia never met a stranger.  She was always available to help anyone in need.  She loved to read books and had a huge collection that she read over and over, always adding new ones to the mix.  Poetry was something that she loved to read and write.  She had a fantastic memory and will be remembered as a family historian.  She loved to talk- and she could go on for hours!!  She was a daughter, sister, teacher, mother, mother-in-law, aunt and grandmother- and one of the best that she could be.

She leaves behind her four children, six grandchildren, Nick, Andria, Jesse, Erica, Patrik, and Danielle, and her nine great grandchildren, Tyler, David, Landon, Riley, Abrienda, Cameron, Payton, Bryson, and Braxton.  She was preceded in death by her parents and sisters, Jewell Borstel, Genevieve Hiett, and Joan Beasley. 

Virginia left us this note: “I am not afraid, but there’s a lot of work to be done and I’d appreciate it if you’d carry on – donate blood, volunteer some help somewhere, read a book, visit someone who can’t get out, give somebody a ride, daydream, and smell the lilacs.  It has been fun”

As Virginia requested, cremation will be accorded.  A graveside service will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, October 14, 2023, at Berwick Cemetery.  Deacon Michael Crummer will officiate.  Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Service Galesburg Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.  Memorials may be given to the family to create a memorial fund.  Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mrs. Virginia Hillen (Hillen) Carlson, please visit our floral store.