Obituary of Matthew Dennis Palsen

Matthew Dennis Palsen, 67, of Carlinville, IL passed away on Saturday afternoon, February 21, 2026, at Lincoln Village Healthcare in Lincoln, IL. Matthew was born June 13, 1958, in Carlinville, IL, eldest son of Dennis M. Palsen and Arlene (Keyes) Palsen, graduated from Carlinville High School with the class of 1976 and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Blackburn College. After enlisting in the US Army, Matt went on to OCS at Ft Benning, GA. He married Lori Mayo on August 16, 1986 in Carlinville, IL and the adventure began. Matthew was a Chemical Officer in the United States Army for 20 years, serving in both Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom. He retired in 2006 at the rank of Major. He loved the St. Louis Cardinals, World War II history as well as having a passion for history as a whole. Matthew also enjoyed chess but, most of all he loved spending time with his wife and kids. Matthew was preceded in death by his father and brother, Philip Palsen. A Celebration of Life will be held at a Later Date. Matthew is survived by his wife, Lori Palsen of Carlinville, IL, son, Karl M. Palsen of Carlinville, IL, daughter, Katherine M. Klunk of Carlinville, IL, daughter, Kelsey M. (David) Sollish of Belton, SC, two grandchildren, Adelaide and Carter Klunk, mother, Arlene Palsen, brother, Peter Palsen, and brother, David Palsen. Davis-Anderson Funeral Home, Carlinville is in charge of arrangements.