Bruce Charles Carlstedt

Bruce Charles Carlstedt, 82, of Westfield, Indiana, passed away on October 20, 2025. Born on August 17, 1943, in Batavia, Illinois, the son of the late Harold "Bud" and Edith Carlstedt.
There's no way to keep Bruce's story short-his life was too full and his impact too deep. He was loved and respected by so many. Bruce never uttered a swear word, never raised his voice, and was always there as the proud "cheerleader" for all of his grandkids' countless events. He loved fishing-throughout his life it was both his passion and his peace-and he especially enjoyed passing that love on to his grandchildren. Bruce also had an eye for capturing life's moments, taking photos both for joy and to mark the memories that mattered most. He really enjoyed breakfast with family members and friends, never enough coffee! A proud Illinois native, he was a loyal fan of the Chicago Bears and the Chicago Cubs. Above all, Bruce cherished his wife, Sharon, his devoted partner of 58 years. A fierce family man and the steady rock of his family, Bruce's quiet strength and boundless love will be forever remembered.
Bruce's life began in Batavia, Illinois, where he attended Batavia High School, graduating in 1961. He was the oldest of three brothers. Losing his mother while in high school and his father during college created a deep connection with the Carlstedt and Batavia families. After high school, Bruce earned his B.S. (1966) and Ph.D. (1971) from the University of Illinois Medical Center, where he was a proud member of the Phi Delta Chi fraternity. While working at a pharmacy in Chicago, he met a beautiful-and perhaps a little sassy-young woman named Sharon Taylor, who quickly caught his eye. Bruce was smitten from the start. The two were married on September 9, 1967, at St. Wenceslaus Church in Chicago.
Over his 39-year career at Purdue, Dr. Carlstedt became a respected Professor of Pharmacy Practice, publishing numerous scholarly articles and presenting nationally on clinical decision support, medication safety, and computer applications in pharmacy. He was honored with Indiana's prestigious Sagamore of the Wabash Award for his distinguished service and leadership. Bruce was the first Purdue pharmacy faculty member placed at the IU Medical Center, where he pioneered clinical education programs that became the foundation for pharmacy practice training in Indianapolis.
He was, as many would say, "one smart cookie"-but also a humble teacher, mentor, and friend who left an enduring mark on the profession and everyone he taught.
Beyond his professional achievements, Bruce found great joy in serving his community through his love of soccer. In the 1970s, he co-founded the Westfield Youth Soccer Association, helping to establish and grow the sport in his community. A dedicated referee for more than four decades, he was certified in 1982 and went on to mentor countless young referees across Indiana. His commitment earned him induction into the Indiana Soccer Hall of Fame in 2009, honoring his thousands of volunteer hours-most of which he gave quietly, without seeking recognition. He often donated his referee pay to local charities and the WYSA scholarship fund, embodying his belief in giving back. As a father, Bruce helped launch Westfield's first girls' travel team, starting a new one each year as his daughter advanced in age groups. In 2018, the city of Westfield honored his soccer legacy by naming soccer fields at Grand Park "Bruce Carlstedt South Rec Fields."
Bruce's community spirit extended well beyond the soccer field. He served on the Westfield Library Board and in Kiwanis, and his years of volunteerism led to his being named Westfield's Citizen of the Year. Among his proudest moments was carrying the Olympic Torch through Indianapolis, a symbol of his lifelong dedication to service and community.
Faith was the cornerstone of Bruce's life. After moving to Westfield, he and Sharon were devoted members of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, where Bruce served as a Minister of Welcome and Eucharistic Minister. He participated in Cursillo and faithfully took early morning Adoration hours, often at 2:00 a.m. He also attended many Haiti missions with the church. His quiet, steady faith was evident to all who knew him-he truly lived his life as a reflection of Christ's love and service.
In addition to his parents was preceded in death by his brother Paul Carlstedt. Bruce is survived by his loving wife, Sharon Taylor Carlstedt; four amazing children and grandchildren; Eric Carlstedt, son (children Olivia, Lucy and Augustus "Gus"); Heather (Carlstedt) Gallagher, daughter (husband John and children Taylor, Trent and Trevor); Matthew "Matt" Carlstedt, son (wife Melissa and child Alexandra "Alex") and Timothy "Tim" Carlstedt, son. He is also survived by Pete Carlstedt (Ann), his baby brother.
Family and friends will gather on Monday, October 27, 2025, from 4 - 8 p.m. in Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church (OLMC), 14598 Oak Ridge Rd, Carmel, IN 46033. A short visitation will also take place Tuesday, October 28 at 10 am with the eulogy beginning at 10:45 am. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow beginning at 11 am in the church.
Bruce will be laid to rest in Carmel Cemetery immediately following Mass.
Friends and family are then welcome to gather for a lunch and celebration of Bruce's life in the basement of OLMC (generously donated by OLMC).
In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to the Trinity Free Clinic at OLMC, 1045 W 146th St. Ste B, Carmel, IN 46032, https://www.trinityfreeclinic.org/donate and to the Westfield Youth Soccer Association, WYSA, PO Box 346, Westfield, IN 46074. https://greatnonprofits.org/org/westfield-youth-soccer-association-inc WYSA plans on establishing a fund to pay for referees to take the course and add more referees to Westfield/Indiana.
Bruce Carlstedt's Awards and Achievements
1975 Honorary Lifetime Membership Bucks County Pharmaceutical Association
1984 "Citizen of the Day" called "Family Day, Bruce Carlstedt family" Westfield Community
Sesquibration Celebration
1988 The Professor Henry Heine Award (Outstanding teacher in Purdue University School of
Pharmacy)
1992 W. John Denkmann Referee of the Year for Indiana Youth Soccer
1995 U.S. Pharmacist/Searle Service Award
1995 Westfield recognized his community service with the "Citizen of the Year"
1996 Certificate of Appreciation by the State of Indiana for carrying the Olympic torch in Indiana
2004 Jay Frederick Good of Soccer award from Indiana Youth Soccer
2009 Indiana Soccer Hall of Fame Inductee
2014 Indiana Soccer Heritage Award
2014 Sagamore of the Wabash Award
2018 City of Westfield named "Bruce Carlstedt South Rec Fields" at Grand Park
2019 President's Award from the Indiana Pharmacists
Bussell Family Funerals is privileged to care for Bruce and serve the Carlstedt family.
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