Samantha ‘Sammy Jo’ Carlson, 29, of Birnamwood, died on Thursday, March 15, 2018, at Autumn Lane, Birnamwood under the care of her family and Ministry Hospice after a long struggle with Huntington’s disease.

Sammy was born on October 19, 1988, in Wausau, the daughter of the late Rodney ‘Butch’ Carlson and Chris (Walkush) Carlson of Birnamwood.

Sammy graduated from Wittenberg-Birnamwood High School in 2007. Sammy worked as a cashier at Whitetail Crossing Ho-Chunk, Wittenberg, a job she truly loved. She enjoyed camping with her family, especially the campfires. She loved classic country music and was an avid Packer and Brewers fan. Sammy also enjoyed attending baseball games and get-togethers with her friends.

Sammy is survived by her mother, Chris of Birnamwood; three siblings, Amanda (Nick) Matsche and Jessica Carlson all of Birnamwood and Tyler Carlson of Elderon; boyfriend of seven years, Ryan Schmitt of Hatley; six nieces and nephews, Alexis, Norah, Braylin, Joel, Eygan and Anya and two grandfathers, Doug Carlson of Birnamwood and Ed Walkush Jr. of Hatley. Sammy is also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Sammy was preceded in death by her father, two grandmothers, Mary Walkush and Christine Carlson and one aunt, Rhonda Carlson.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 AM on Monday, March 19, 2018, at St. Florian’s Catholic Church in Hatley. Fr. Greg Bohren will officiate. Interment will be in the Parish cemetery. Visitation will be on Sunday from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Schmidt Schulta Funeral Home in Birnamwood and again on Monday from 9:00 AM until the time of Mass at the church.

Memories and condolences may be shared at schmidtschulta.com or at Schmidt Schulta Funeral Home on Facebook.

“Sammy was a great daughter, sister, aunt and friend. She has touched many lives with her smile and how strong she was. She fought her battle with this disease to the end without a complaint. You are in Heaven now with your daddy and grandmas, run, laugh and be happy. You will be forever missed and loved by your family.” – Mom

The family would like to thank the staff of Autumn Lane and Ministry Hospice, as well as all of the family and friends who have provided them with support during this difficult time.