Thomas Carlson, a retired educator and artist, died December 29, 2025. He leaves his wife, son, daughter, two step-children, three grandchildren, a brother, and a sister. 

 

Born September 21,1948, in Marinette, WI, Tom grew up on a working farm in nearby Peshtigo. He attended a one-room schoolhouse and later spoke of having read the encyclopedia in his down-time there. At the Marinette branch of University of Wisconsin, he met and fell in love with Juanita Church, who soon became Juanita Carlson. They produced two brilliant children, Nathan and Sarah.

 

After moving to Madison, Tom earned a BS in Art Education, an MA in Art, and an MFA in Metal Art. He specialized in jewelry and Kiddush Cups, but he also was a fine woodworker, creating treasures such as dulcimers. After moving to Tempe, Arizona, Tom earned Elementary Education and Special Education certifications.  He became a special education teacher, a vocation that lasted for nearly 30 years, until he retired from Santa Fe High in 2023. 

 

An avid gardner, Tom took pride in continuing the family legacy of growing Swedish beans, which had been passed down through generations. He also became passionate about computers, particularly in restoring old Macs. 

 

Tom was preceded in death by his father, Donald, and mother, Elsie, and his second wife, Betty Carlson. He is survived by wife Judy Van Luchene, son Nathan Carlson, daughter Sarah Coles, step-children Claudia Casey and Ned Casey, brother William Carlson, sister Alice Sternberg, and grandsons Edison Coles, Andrew Carlson, and Kyler Higgins.

 

A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 31, 2026, 1:30 p.m. Mountain Time at 

Lutheran Church of the Servant, 2481 Legacy Ct., Santa Fe, NM. The service will be viewable remotely through Zoom.  https://us06web.zoom.us/j/2016422816?pwd=dzdSWTgzMHlwTjZQaHZKZmxDeWcrZz09

 

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to SFPS Adelante Program. https://pie4sfps.snwbll.com/adelante-program