CARLSON, Thomas P., age 21

Died: Sunday, August 9th, 2015

A Celebration of His Life: 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 14, 2015 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Eau Claire with Reverend Jamie Brieske officiating

Visitation: 5:00 - 7:00 at the funeral home on Thursday and also one hour prior to service at church

Interment: will be held at a later date

In lieu of flowers, memorials would be preferred to the Indianhead Region Special Olympics of Wisconsin (2023 Fairfax St, Eau Claire, WI 54701), R.E.A.C.H. (2205 Heimstead Road, Eau Claire, WI 54703), Eau Claire Area School District Special Olympics (500 Main Street, Eau Claire, WI  54701), Immanuel Lutheran Church (3214 Golf Rd, Eau Claire, WI 54701) or the charity of the donor's choosing.

Thomas Paul Carlson, age 21, of Eau Claire died and joined the angels in heaven on Sunday, August 9, 2015 at his home with his family by his side.

Tom was born on September 15, 1993 to Curtis and Janet (Milligan) Carlson in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Tom was diagnosed in 2010 with Leukemia at age 17. Tom's next 3 years were extremely challenging with Chemo, procedures and many, many pokes. Tom traveled through this process with dignity and grace. Tom met many wonderful people at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester and he made many friends along the way. He always had an uncanny way of knowing who to sit by in the waiting room and it was usually kids with challenges.

What people will remember about Tom is his grace, goodness and his amazing hugs. He was so intuitive to those who might need a little more attention and was quick to give a hug or a pat on the shoulder. He always enjoyed babies and little kids. Although Tom could be crabby and grumpy when being told to do stuff, he would redeem himself with his grin and the twinkle in his eye.

One of his favorite places to be was at church with his Immanuel family who allowed Tom to blossom and be a fully participating member of his faith community. Katie Garrity, Tom's girlfriend have known each other since they were babies and were the love of each other's lives.  Tom enjoyed hanging out with his best buddies, Steven, Dan, Blake and Trevor watching movies or going bowling. Tom is a 2015 graduate of Memorial High School and a State medal winner in Bowling, Basketball and Track and Field through Special Olympics.

He is survived by his parents, Curt and Janet; brother, Andrew; sister, Gretchen; grandmother, Violet Milligan; grandparents, David and Marilyn Carlson; aunts and uncles, James (Diane) Milligan, Karen Hart, Brian Carlson, Jeffrey Carlson (Nanci Fine); great aunt and godmother, Cynthia Rasmussen; his many cousins and friends.

Tom was preceded in death by his grandfather, Robert Milligan and great uncle and godfather, Darrell Rasmussen.

A Special Thank you to Tom's amazing caregivers for the past 5 years, Karyn Malnory, Brittany Wallerich, Andreas Meixelsperger, Colin Thalacker and Caroline Armstrong. Thank you to Mayo Pediatric Oncology team, Dr. Haigh, Lisa Moelter and Josh, Tom's hospice nurse. Thank you to Memorial High School Special Education Staff, Sherri Mack, Melissa Gunness, Linda Nichols and support staff and our Immanuel Family. We are so grateful for all of our community of friends and family who supported us through this journey.