Stacey Carlson

Stacey Marie Carlson was born on May 31, 1979, to Michael and Sandra (Overgaauw) Carlson in Pipestone, Minnesota. She was baptized at St. Leo Catholic Church in Pipestone. She grew up in Pipestone surrounded by the love of her parents, Michael and Lorae Carlson, and Sandy and Mark Otter. She shared her childhood with her siblings, Michael, Brook, Bobbi Jo, Darcey, Kari, and Dawn. While in high school, she lifeguarded at the local pool and attended many school activities, always supporting others. Stacey graduated from Pipestone High School in 1997.

She moved to Mankato to attend college and loved living in the “Warren House” with her roommates Nicki, Jenny, Amanda, and Marnie. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Mankato State. Stacey was currently working for Walden University and living in Blaine, Minnesota. In 2015 Stacey became McKenzey’s mom, and there was no greater title she held. She was a proud mom in every sense. Those who loved Stacey know that McKenzey was her greatest reason, her greatest joy, and her greatest love.

Stacey passed away on Monday, May 25, 2026 at the age of 46. Stacey will be remembered for her bubbly personality and her gentle approach with all she did in life. She had a beautiful smile and a contagious laugh. Stacey knew where she came from and wore it proudly. She loved deeply, her daughter McKenzey, her family, and the people who made up her world. And when everyone gathered together, carrying on what had always been a family tradition, there was no place she would rather have been. Stacey was the person who always showed up asking “what can I do?” She enjoyed running, watching the Minnesota Vikings, and listening to all kinds of music. While in Pipestone she was a part of the Pipestone Elementary Booster Club where she got to integrate herself in the community and support youth. She loved spending time outdoors, especially with her daughter, McKenzey.

Stacey is lovingly remembered by her daughter, McKenzey Sandra Peterson of Ham Lake, Minnesota, McKenzey’s brother, Charley, as well as McKenzey’s father, Rick; her father, Michael Carlson of Pipestone; step-father, Mark Otter of Pipestone; brother, Michael Carlson of Pipestone; sisters, Brook Carlson (Dave) of Fargo, North Dakota, and Bobbi Jo Carlson of Pipestone; step-sisters, Darcey Otter of Brandon, South Dakota, Kari (Phil) Westby of Spicer, Minnesota, and Dawn Arends of Marshall, Minnesota; and many close aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, friends, along with a special group of cousins who will cherish their memories of her forever.

Stacey was preceded in death by her mother, Sandy Otter; step-mother, Lorae Carlson; grandparents, Howard and Genevieve Carlson, Jake and Sylvia Overgaauw, Art and Marge Pater, Herman and Edna Loenhorst.