Search by Name

Roberta Glaser Carlsen

1946 - 2019

Roberta Glaser Carlsen obituary, 1946-2019, Lansing, MI

FUNERAL HOME

Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes

900 East Michigan Ave

Lansing, Michigan

Roberta Carlsen Obituary

Roberta Glaser (Kley) Carlsen

November 26, 1946 - October 29, 2019

On October 29, 2019, Roberta Glaser (Kley) Carlsen passed away in a tragic motor vehicle accident. Roberta grew up in Connersville, Indiana and later attended the University of Wisconsin in Madison and further continued her studies overseas at the University of Vienna in Austria. She earned her doctorate at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. Roberta was married to Larry Carlsen who also passed away in the same motor vehicle accident. While their years together as a married couple were limited, they were still able to travel and enjoy many sights together. Roberta volunteered and joined the Peace Corps with a posting in Cameroon, West Africa. While teaching and becoming an established school administrator, she moved back to the United States and established roots in Indiana, Ohio and Michigan. She accomplished decades of commitment to public school administration and was well respected in her field amongst her peers. She enjoyed cooking, reading, gardening, entertaining, animal life- especially cats, quilting and exploring the world. Roberta spoke close to five languages fluently and had visited over 100 countries during her travels and adventures. Roberta retired and was living in East Lansing, Michigan at the time of her passing. Friends and family describe her as outgoing, compassionate, cultured, intelligent, devoted, caring and thoughtful. Roberta loved to live life to the fullest. Not only did she cherish time spent with family and friends but she also made a positive impact on many people she never knew through her volunteerism. Additionally, she made a difference in the political realm in many ways, specifically noting that she was indeed a pioneer for women's rights. Whether she was entertaining family or friends or traveling around the world or volunteering for a good cause, she was doing it with an extraordinary zest for life. Roberta listed on her Facebook profile under the work category: RETIRED AND LOVING EVERY MINUTE OF IT!

She was preceded in death by husband Ray Kley, her mother and father and her grandmother Loraine Offutt. She is survived by daughter Catherine Mimbimi Duckett, son Philip (Vellycya) Mimbimi, grandchildren Jacquelyn Duckett, AJ Mimbimi, Xzanders Mimbimi, Chleopatra Mimbimi, Paquita Mimbimi, and Roberta's beloved brother John (Barbara) Avery as well as many more relatives and friends.

A memorial service to celebrate Roberta's life has been scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 8, 2019 at The Presbyterian Church of Okemos, 2258 Bennett Rd, Okemos, MI 48864. Memorial contributions in Roberta's name can be sent to The Presbyterian Church (address above) or the Capital Area Humane Society, 7095 W Grand River Ave, Lansing, MI 48906

We are heartbroken in grief but pray that the pain of missing Roberta will be a beautiful reminder of the joy of loving her. "A blessed and spirited soul has ascended into the heavens above, may her light inspire positive love to all unconditionally."

Published by Lansing State Journal from Nov. 2 to Nov. 3, 2019.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Roberta Carlsen

Sponsored by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes.

Not sure what to say?





I met Roberta in Indigo Run on Hilton Head Island. We immediately connected and had many wonderful conversations together. My husband and I had dinner with her and her husband at the Golf Club in Indigo Run. I had kept her last email (a running conversation between the two of us) - because I did not want to forget her, and wanted to get together with her as soon as she returned to the island. I was shocked and saddened to hear of her death today at a meeting. I cannot believe she is gone. I truly enjoyed her friendship, even if it was only for a little while. I feel very sad that she is gone.

Judy Kane

December 11, 2019

a loved one

November 6, 2019

Going to miss Roberta, have a lot of great memories or times together. Prayers for all of family.

Dana & Bob Kemker

November 3, 2019

Roberta has been a treasured friend in my life for many years. From working together as educators to our recent travels to Europe, Roberta enriched my life. We have lost a very special woman.

Karen Budan

November 3, 2019

Catherine, Philip, Jackie and extended family,
Words alone cannot express the deep sorrow we feel for your loss. Roberta was a very talented, caring, brave and loving person who improved and brightened the lives of those she came in contact with. I know that she enjoyed every minute of life, and lived it to the fullest. She was very proud of her family, and spoke of you all often. She especially enjoyed her time with Jackie, and was always excited to share their adventures together.
Roberta's loss will leave a large hole in our hearts and our lives, but her life will serve as an example of how to live your best life.
We are blessed and honored to have been part of her life. May your fondest memories of her provide you comfort in this time of grief.

Eric & Cami VanGilder

November 3, 2019

Catherine, Philipp and families, Wade and I and our family, are so sorry about your mother and Larry. She was such an inspiration to everyone she met. Your mom loved you all and her grandkids so much. Please know you all are in our prayers and may all your wonderful memories with her help you as you mourn. I know we will never forget all the wonderful times we were blessed by your mom and you both growing up with our family. Love you all

Mary ANN and Wade Gentry

November 3, 2019

Roberta will be missed by everyone who knew her. Peace and love to her family.

Sandy Brown

November 3, 2019

Roberta and Larry were my neighbors. When I fractured my shoulder, Roberta brought delicious food. She was a fantastic cook and caring person.
Shirley Noetzold

November 3, 2019

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. I apologize for not being able to attend the memorial service but you, my dear cousins, will be in my thoughts heavily this day. My hope is that you will all be reunited in the presence of the Lord one day.

Caitlen Baker

Family

November 2, 2019

Showing 1 - 9 of 9 results

Make a Donation
in Roberta Carlsen's name

Memorial Events
for Roberta Carlsen

Nov

8

Memorial service

11:00 a.m.

The Presbyterian Church of Okemos

2258 Bennett Rd, Okemos, MI

Funeral services provided by:

Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes

900 East Michigan Ave, Lansing, MI 48912

How to support Roberta's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Roberta Carlsen's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more