CARSTENSEN, Ferne 1932-2012

CARSTENSEN

Posted By: S. Bell
Date: 6/10/2013 at 20:39:20

Ferne Carstensen, age 79, of Odebolt, Iowa, died Tuesday, February 21, 2012, at St. Luke's Regional Medical Center in Sioux City, Iowa.

Memorial services will be held 10:30 a.m. Saturday, February 25, 2012, at the United Methodist Church in Odebolt, Iowa, under the direction of Christensen-Huffman Funeral Homes. The Reverend DeeAnn Klapp will officiate. The family will greet friends on Saturday one hour prior to services at the church.

Born December 17, 1932, in Ida Grove, Iowa, Ferne Mary Carstensen was the daughter of Elmer and Emma (Hansen) Kessler. She attended country school and graduated from Odebolt High School in 1949. Ferne worked at the Odebolt State Bank for several years prior to her marriage to Leonard "Stub" Carstensen on March 9, 1957, at the United Methodist Church in Odebolt. The couple was blessed with two children, Mary and Kurt.

Ferne was a lifelong member of her church and an active member of her community. She served as treasurer of the United Methodist Women for many years, participated in Tri-M's, and was treasurer of the Odebolt-Arthur school board for over 25 years. She enjoyed sewing and quilting, cooking, baking and canning, flowers, and refinishing furniture, but her greatest joy was found in her grandchildren.

Known affectionately by many as "Grandma," "Mom," or "Aunt," Ferne will be remembered for her giving and selfless nature.

Those left to cherish her memory include her husband, Stub; two children, Mary Carstensen of Falls Church, VA, and Kurt (Tammy) Carstensen of Odebolt; five grandchildren, Bailey and Sydney Robinson, and Colton, Casey, and Cailin Carstensen; a sister, Lois Oxendale of Arthur; and many other extended family members.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

[Source: Christensen-Huffman Funeral Homes, Ida Grove, IA]