Carma J. Tucker's Obituary

Carma Tucker (age 89) passed away peacefully at her home at Lincolnshire Place on December 8, 2020.

Born in Rochester, Minnesota to Oliver and Edna (Witt) Solsrud, Carma was also welcomed by big brother Richard ("Whitey"). Her brother Lyle was born one year later. Coincidentally, all three siblings were born on the 22 ^nd day of the month. Carma enjoyed a very happy childhood. She attended elementary and junior high school in Rochester and was an excellent student. The family then moved to DeKalb, where she graduated from DeKalb High School in 1949. Go 49ers!

Her first job was at Woolworth's in downtown DeKalb during high school. She subsequently was employed by DeKalb AgResearch ("the Ag"), where she worked for approximately 30 years. Carma served as executive secretary to Charlie Roberts at the Ag. Carma thoroughly enjoyed her job even though she refused to learn how to use a computer "supposedly" due to the confidential nature of her work. Haha! Not only did she handle Ag work duties, but she was a trusted assistant to the Roberts Family. She handled many of their personal investment and philanthropic transactions. She prided herself on being much more than an executive secretary, which was clearly true as the Roberts Family greatly appreciated and recognized her strong work ethic and diligence. The Roberts Family regarded Carma as a wonderful family friend, too. Carma raised three children with her first husband John G. Paulson (1954-1974) in Sycamore. Carma's family life was filled with family events and social gatherings. She and her family were devout members of Salem Lutheran Church. In addition to spirituality, she instilled love, gratitude, responsibility, kindness, and a strong work ethic into her children's lives. She attended her children's sporting events, hosted bridge club, and participated in bowling league. She made friends easily at the Ag, as well as with her neighbors and other church members.

Carma met her second husband, ("the love of her life") Dale Tucker, while dancing at the Coach Rooms at the Fargo Hotel in Sycamore. Carma and Dale were married in 1983. Carma and Dale had a whirlwind relationship and so much fun. They loved to travel, ride a Harley Davidson motorcycle, fish (including in Canada), golf, and entertain family and friends. They also bought a fishing cabin in Westfield, Wisconsin as a second home. Carma was famous for hosting fish fry's at both homes (Sycamore and Westfield) for their many friends and/or family. Carma's children loved Dale dearly as their second Dad. Carma and Dale were also very active in hosting, visiting and attending events revolving around her 3 grandchildren who grew up in Barrington, as well as Dale's 2 grandchildren who were raised in Esmond. Consequently, the blended family, especially Carma, was devastated when Dale passed away at the early age of 60. Carma's favorite memories with Dale were traveling to many Caribbean islands/countries, as well as attending the Senior Skins Golf Tournament in Hawaii in 1996 just prior to Dale's death in May. Carma then sold the Sycamore home and moved to Westfield, after extensively remodeling and redecorating the cabin into her permanent home. Her daughter Sue lived about 5 miles away for most of Carma's time in Wisconsin. Carma had numerous friends in Westfield and also served as the financial treasurer for the local church. Carma eventually moved back to Sycamore to be closer to her eldest daughter Cathy, as well as local friends. She enjoyed many lunches and dinners out with friends and family. She took many vacation trips with Cathy to various Caribbean islands and other domestic locations, which often included playing slots at casinos.

In 2013, Carma fractured her hip and became unable to live independently, so she moved in with Cathy and her husband Steve. She continued to spend time with friends, as well as Cathy and Steve (she loved to go out to eat and enjoy her wine). She was a frequent customer at Culver's and Sam's Family Restaurant with her friend Doris Wallin. She and Cathy continued to take occasional casino trips and Carma's other children (Mike and Sue) and grandchildren were also very involved in her life. She had adventures with them when she stayed with them a few times a year when Steve and Cathy traveled. Carma resided with Cathy and Steve for about 4 ½ years until she moved into Lincolnshire Place in May 2018. Carma's favorite hobby was reading, especially mysteries (she loved James Patterson novels), magazines, and a spiritual Word In Season booklet. Carma enjoyed her apartment at Lincolnshire Place and socializing with peers, attending church services, and participating in activities, especially singing. She continued to enjoy visits with both family and friends and many family celebrations were held at the homes of her children as well as at Lincolnshire Place.

We take solace in knowing Carma was welcomed into heaven by special loved ones. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband of 13 years Dale Tucker (age 60 in 1996), brother and sister-in-law Richard "Whitey" and Stella Solsrud (2003 and 2006), brother Lyle Solsrud (2004), and grandsons Matthew Paulson (age 29 in 2017), Lee Paulson (age 26 in 2018) and Nicholas Tucker (age 26 in 2019). Carma was also preceded in death by many other relatives and numerous special friends.

Carma is survived by her children: Cathy (Steve) Sawallisch of Sycamore, Mike (Babs) Paulson of Barrington, Sue (Eric) Geissler of Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, Jay (LouAnne) Tucker of Coloma, Wisconsin and Jeff (Theresa) Tucker of Denver, North Carolina. She is also survived by her granddaughter Amanda Paulson (Zach Benkowski) as well as Carma's great-grandson on the way of Chicago; grandson Eric (Alyssa) Tucker and their daughter Maisyn of Sycamore; and granddaughter Gabriella Tucker of North Carolina. Carma is further survived by numerous nieces and nephews and cousins and their respective families of Illinois, Minnesota and North Carolina. Carma's special friends who survive include, but are not limited to, Doris Wallin of DeKalb, and Rosie and John Evans of Arizona.

The family would like to offer sincere appreciation to all of the staff at Lincolnshire Place and Heartland Home Health and Hospice for their special and personal care of our Mom and Grandma.

A private family memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, December 20 ^th at Butala Funeral Home and Crematory of Sycamore, with Pastor Preston Fields officiating. Visitation will be held on Sunday from 1 to 3 p.m. at the funeral home. Please note that current Covid-19 restrictions limit 10 visitors at a time, the mandatory wearing of masks, and social distancing. The interment of Carma's ashes next to her husband Dale in Westfield, Wisconsin will be held in a private family gathering, and is postponed until a later date.

The family requests no flowers or plants, but memorial donations may be directed to Salem Lutheran Church, in care of the Butala Funeral Home, 1405 DeKalb Avenue, Sycamore, Illinois 60178. To sign the online guest book, go to www.butalafuneralhomes.com

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