Courtney Wallace

Courtney E. Wallace, 43, died on June 13, 2024, unexpectedly following a medical emergency. 

Courtney was born to Ron and Diane Wallace on October 28th, 1980. She grew up in Galva, IL and graduated from Galva HS in 1999, before attending Southern Illinois University and graduating in 2003. Her parents shared that when she packed her car for college she never looked back, which is indicative of the independence with which she embraced life. 

From a young age, Courtney found great joy in helping others and embraced the rewards of hard work to the benefit of others. She had the rare gift to be fully engaged for those with whom she was in community at the time. When returning home, she was always wholly present for her family.  During times where physical distance posed as an obstacle, she was always just a phone call or text away, never failing to serve as a constant source of support and encouragement.    

Courtney found meaning in her work and had a deep calling to help students navigate their pathway to higher education. Her career in college admission counseling started at Missouri University of Science & Technology, where she advanced through the ranks into a regional leadership position. In 2012, she took a position at Augustana College where she built and led a regional recruitment team before being appointed Assistant Vice President of Enrollment Management, a position in which she excelled as a team leader and cheerleader for those she led. 

In addition to her empathetic and warm leadership of her team at Augustana, Courtney was active professionally with regional and national associations. She never said no to a leadership opportunity, and she mentored many. Her work was recognized nationally, and she was a star in the college admissions world. She was a frequent presenter and facilitated countless essay workshops and collaborated with others on case studies, all to the benefit of students seeking higher education.  

Courtney’s endless positivity, infectious laugh, occasional snort, and quick winks had presence. Her superpower in life was to make sure that everyone–family, friends, colleagues and the students she loved to serve–knew they were valued. She was treasured by hundreds and added a sparkle to everything she did. 

Courtney leaves behind her parents, Ron and Diane Wallace of Galva, IL; her sister Whitney (husband, Caleb) of White Bluff, TN; two adoring nephews, Hewitt and Holden Hatcher, to whom she was Aunt Courta with all the best presents; her uncles, Larry (wife, Christine) Peterson of Bath, IL and Ron (wife, Sandi) Peterson of Metamora, IL; aunt, Joan (husband, Howard) Jackson of Bloomington, IL; and maternal grandmother, Anne Mae Peterson of Galva, IL. She also leaves behind countless friends and admirers.

Courtney’s family asks that memorials be directed to “The Courtney E. Wallace Endowed Scholarship” in care of the Office of College Advancement, Augustana College, 639 38th Street, Rock Island, IL 61201. Online memorials should include “The Courtney E. Wallace Endowed Scholarship” as a designation.

A celebration of Courtney’s life will be held at 11:30 a.m., Tuesday, July 30 in Wallenberg Hall on the campus of Augustana College. All who loved Courtney are invited to join the family in honoring this remarkable soul. The family invites guests to wear blue & gold, Augustana's colors. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Courtney Wallace, please visit our floral store.