Carstensen, Raymond Andrew 1922-2014

CARSTENSEN, PHILLIPS, HOLST, ESTER, SMITH, WHITE, JACOBSEN, FELL

Posted By: Ruth Maring - Volunteer
Date: 1/12/2015 at 09:23:53

Raymond Andrew Carstensen, 92, of DeWitt, Iowa, died peacefully, surrounded by his family, December 28, 2014, at Westwing Place, DeWitt.

Visitation will be from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. Thursday, January 1, 2015, at Schultz Funeral Home, DeWitt. A Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, January 2, 2015, in the funeral home. Deacon Mike Sheil officiating. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, DeWitt. Memorials can be made to the American Stroke Association or Westwing Activity Department.

Ray was born October 18, 1922, to Thomas and Celia (Phillips) Carstensen on the family farm in rural DeWitt. He was united in marriage to Virginia Holst on April 16, 1955, in Welton, Iowa. Ray “Boots” started farming with his dad on the family farm. In 1955 he moved to Charlotte to farm and raise Spotted Poland China pigs and Angus cattle.

He was an avid Hawkeye fan, enjoyed watching sports, playing cards, collecting stamps, dancing, attending auctions and garage sales, and spending time with his family. He was active in Farm Bureau, a founding member of the local Pork Producers, director for C&J Farm Services, and dealer for Dekalb Seed.

Ray is survived by his wife of 59 years, Virginia; son Joel (Peggy) of Charlotte; daughters Barb (Marty) Ester of Beebe, Arkansas, Mary Kay (Larry Smith) of DeWitt, Pam (Roger) White of Calamus; 10 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; a brother, William Carstensen; many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his sisters Nellie Jacobsen, Minnie Fell, and a great-grandson Simon Carstensen.