Karsten, Kenneth William 1929-2015

KARSTEN, BURKE, STURTZ

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes
Date: 3/25/2015 at 08:54:26

Your Weekly Paper
Benton, Iowa and Poweshiek Counties
February 20, 2015

KENNETH WILLIAM KARSTEN

BLAIRSTOWN - Kenneth William Karsten, 85, went peacefully to be with his Lord with his family at his side on Friday, Feb. 20, 2015, at St. Luke's Hospital in Cedar Rapids.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, February 24, 2015, at Grace Lutheran Church in Blairstown with Rev. David Remfer officiating. Interment will be held at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Blairstown. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m., on Monday at Grace Lutheran Church. A memorial fund has been established.

Kenneth was born July 21, 1929 near Marengo to William and Meta (Burke) Karsten.

On February 14, 1954 he was united in marriage to LaVonne Sturtz at St. Martin's Lutheran Church near Marengo.

He had been a lifelong member of St. Martin's Lutheran Church prior of the closing of the church in 1984 when he transferred membership to Grace Lutheran Church in Blairstown. He was an accomplished carpenter and enjoyed building replica buildings. His greatest joy came from traveling with his grandchildren. Kenneth served as a 4-H leader and loved attending his grandchildren's 4-H shows.

Kenneth farmed in the Marengo and Blairstown area and had been employed at the Amana Society, Solar Homes and Sullivan Graphics in Marengo.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, LaVonne Karsten of Marengo; his sons, David (Kay) Karsten of Solon, Steven (Patty) Karsten of Middle Amana, Alan (Carrie) Karsten of South Amana, and Gary (Dawn) Karsten of Marengo; his grandchildren, Adam and Erin Karsten, Josh Karsten, Jamie Smith, Emily Sworobowicz, Rachael Karsten and Ross Karsten; several step-grandchildren; six great-grandchildren with two on the way; and his brother, Alfred (Lorene) Karsten of Marengo.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and his grandson, Eric Karsten.

Phillips Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements and condolences may be left at www.phillipsfuneralhomes.com.