Marisa "Risa" Carlson

Marisa (Risa) Carlson, 69, of Central City, NE passed away on October 30, 2025 surrounded by her family. The funeral service will take place on Friday, November 7, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at the United Methodist Church with Pastor Gordon Paulsen officiating. Visitation will be held on Thursday, November 6, 2025 at the United Methodist Church from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. A luncheon will be held at the Solt-Wagner Community Room following the burial of ashes at the Central City Cemetery. Solt-Wagner Funeral Home is assisting the family. Memorials are suggested to the Merrick County Child Development Center and the Central City Library. Condolences can be sent to the family at www.soltwagnerfuneral.com Risa was born on May 15, 1956 in Central City to Tom and Gloria (Hruban) McHargue. She grew up in Central City most of her life. From 1965-1967 her family lived in Irving, Texas where her father was a mechanic for Braniff Airlines. This is where she grew to love flying. Her family spent many happy hours at the airport and enjoyed flying back to Central City for visits. Even though living in Texas was a wonderful experience, her family loved moving back home to Central City. Her parents bought the flower shop (Central City Florist) from her grandmother Albina Hruban, and it was a magical place to play and explore. Many hours were spent planting seedlings, delivering flowers, and helping in the shop. In 1972, the family sold the shop and moved out to the family farm so her dad could be a full-time farmer. Risa and her sister Minette got the pleasure of irrigating, helping with the cattle, and almost anything that came along with living on a farm. Risa graduated from Central City High School in 1974. She graduated from the University of Nebraska in 1978 with a teaching degree and then eventually went on to obtain her Master of Education from Doane College in 1994. On June 16, 1978, she married the love of her life, Jeff Carlson. They made their home in Central City where they raised their children Shyla, Nathan, and Kayla surrounded by a loving family. She taught at the Central City Elementary School for 40 years, retiring in 2018. She loved the relationships she had with the children, but she especially loved the lifelong friendships formed with fellow teachers. She always said how special it was to go to work every day with so many friends. Risa grew up as a member of the Christ Episcopal Church but later attended the United Methodist Church for many years, including teaching Sunday school for two years and many years playing chimes. She also attended the Library Book Club and was a member of a very special “Winery Book Club” with longtime friends. Once in a while a book was discussed. Risa had a love of reading and always had a book around. Some of her favorites were Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, and the Outlander book series. She also loved walking on the trail, dabbling with musical instruments, and passionately watching The Office. She cherished her high school friends, especially her very dearest friend Elaine, and her two sisters Roxanne and Minette. With her sister Roxanne, she shared the love of history and family genealogy. Minette gave her the love of the white sands of Florida. Additional special memories include a vacation exploring New Zealand and Hobbiton with husband Jeff, a big journey to China with the whole family to visit Nathan while he served in the Peace Corps, and trips to Florida with extended family relaxing on the white sandy beaches. She had such an obsession with the Beatles that as kids, she and her sisters would pretend to be the band - Risa and Roxanne as George and Paul on tennis racket guitars, and Minette as Ringo on a red trash can. Most of all, she was a dedicated grandmother to Rubie, Scarlett, Gray, and Orin. She embraced every moment with them. Risa enjoyed life and felt truly blessed. Those left to cherish her memory are her husband, Jeff; daughter Shyla Carlson and her children, Rubie and Scarlett; son Nathan (Brittany) Carlson; daughter Kayla (Mike) Hruskoci and their children, Gray and Orin. She is also survived by her sisters Roxanne (Evan) Brandes and Minette (Mike) Malm; brother Dan McHargue; brothers and sisters-in-law Randy (Lorraine) Carlson, Barry Carlson, Kent (Deb) Carlson, and Mark (Mel) Carlson; along with many beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. Risa was preceded in death by her parents, Tom and Gloria McHargue; parents-in-law, Ned and Bonnie Carlson; and sister-in-law, Karen Carlson.

Marisa "Risa" Carlson

May 15, 1956 - October 30, 2025