Harold Karsten Obituary

WESTERLY, R.I. - Harold C. Karsten, 78, passed peacefully Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2013.

Hal was born in Evanston, Ill. on April 22, 1935 to Harold and Elda (Haefke) Karsten.

He is survived by his wife of 54 happy years, Maureen (McGrath); son, Michael Karsten and his wife, Joell, of Seneca Falls, N.Y.; daughter Kristine Birkbeck and her husband, Michael, of North Stonington, Conn.; daughter, Lea Ann ONeill and her husband, Terrance, of Sutton, Mass.; sister, Susan Nehrlich, of Lake Geneva, Wis.; sister, Terri Rairie, of Racine, Wis.; three wonderful grandchildren, Magan, Alyss,a and Elliana; and many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by one sister, Carolyn Durr.

Hal graduated from Northwestern University, received his Master's Degree from ECSU, and Sixth Year Certification in Administration from UCONN. His career began in Stonington where, for eight years, he taught 5th grade and then math and science at mystic Middle School. For the next 24 years, he was associated with the Preston School System as a math teacher and coordinator, assistant principal and, finally, principal at Poquetanuck Elementary School where he loved greeting the kids arriving off the bus every morning.

Hal was a jazz aficionado who traveled near and far to find the best music festivals. Many weekends in June were spent enjoying the Connecticut Essex Jazz Festival. He also entertained his family with stories from his youth of seedy basement jazz clubs in Chicago. Over the years he amassed a jazz collection that would rival the most dedicated enthusiast.
He was a Civil War and general history buff. No summer family camping trip would be complete without stopping by a battlefield, significant ship or monument. He was forever the educator, even out of the classroom.

Hal was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather and brother. His proudest achievement was his family which was the most important thing to him. He was a constant fixture at his children's school sports events, achieving "mascot" status. He enjoyed spending the cold winter months in Florida with his wife, where daily walks or bike rides were a must.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Connecticut Education Foundation Children's Fund, 21 Oak Street, Suite 500, Hartford, CT 06106; or Hydrocephalus Association, 4340 East West Highway, Suite 905, Bethesda, MD 20814.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Buckler-Johnston Funeral Home, 121 Main St. Westerly.

Published by The Record-Journal on Dec. 8, 2013.
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Mr. Karsten was my Algebra teacher in 8th grade. His teaching allowed me to enter high school in a 10th grade Algebra class. I will always remember him introducing me to Algebra.

Merry Mattern

School

December 2, 2022

fond memories of Mr Karsten as my math teachers and then later as my children's principal - I'll never forget him calling "top down" as I pulled away from the school one day in a convertible (rental car) Reading his obit - it seems that he lived his life "top down" - loving the breeze and following his passion

Gail Gauthier Rigney

January 24, 2014

Grandpa you were the best.I loved spending time with you, and play with your matchbox cars and dance to your jazz music.

magan

December 17, 2013

grandpa you were the best. I loved speding time with you and playing with your matchbox cars and dancing to your jazz music.

magan

December 17, 2013

In sympathy on the loss of your father. May the happy memories you shared fill your life going forward, and comfort in the knowledge that any suffering is over.

Fred Souza

December 17, 2013

Mr Karsten was our science teacher at Mystic Junior High School; he is one of those teachers that you remember forever for their contribution to your life.

John Gregory

December 16, 2013

To the Karsten Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I will always remember how supportive Mr. Karsten was at all of our sporting events. He will be missed.

Bridget Dolan

December 15, 2013

We were so sorry to learn of the loss of Hal. He was my principal when I was teaching fifth grade in Preston. Hal was always there with a smile and great support both for teachers and students. I will always remember him fondly.

Joyce & Richard Lund
Lincoln Hills Sun City, CA

December 13, 2013

Thanks for everything DAD and giving me the best wife any guy could ever ask for.

michael birkbeck

December 13, 2013

With sincere sympathy.

Sheryl Englebrecht

December 12, 2013

Maureen,
Mike, Kris, Lea Ann,
I remember Hal and your dad as a man who had a kind eye and a patient, gentle strength. Those traits must have served him well in his profession and in his personal relationships, May knowing that he was able to make a positive difference in the lives of others, and the words of comfort that are sent to you bring you some peace at this time. I hope the good memories soon ease some of the ache.
Love,
Ellie Banker

December 12, 2013

Maureen and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you. With deepest sympathy. Hal will live on in your thoughts and hearts forever.

Pat Pepin, Florida

Pat Pepin

December 12, 2013

So very sorry to hear of your loss. Deepest sympathy to all Mr Karsten's family.
Peggy Sue (Collins)

Peggy Sue Long

December 11, 2013

To the Karsten Family,
I am so terribly sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Karsten. I fondly remember my summer spent camping with you. He will always have a special place in my heart.

Jane Dibble-Novak

December 11, 2013

Mrs. Karsten, Mike, Kris, and Lea Ann - I am so sorry for your loss. I have vivid memories of skating on the pond in those good old Connecticut winters, with Mr. Karsten building a bonfire for us and skating serenely around the ice. Wishing you all peace and happy memories at this sad time.

Maggie (Dolan) Ward

December 11, 2013

Mr. Karsten was the Vice Principal at Preston Plains school while I was a student there around 1970. I know he will be sorely missed by all who knew him.

Vernon Rathbone

December 10, 2013

Hal was a fellow teacher with me at both the Stonington system and in Preston. Through those years, he was an inspiration, good friend, and a fine leader. There were so many fine times with great laughter. For all that and more, he will be remembered.

Dave Piper

December 9, 2013

My thoughts are with you all. "Mr. Karsten" was my teacher, and mentor... Both as an Algebra Teacher, and Principal. He shall be greatly missed.

Cheryl Meehan

December 9, 2013

Mr. Karsten was my Algebra teacher at Preston Plains School in 1970-1972. He was a great teacher, and always very relaxed in the classroom while keeping our attention. I'm sure he touched many people - young and otherwise - in his life. I know I think fondly of him still.

My condolences to his family.

Merry (Mattern) Sylvia

December 9, 2013

PLEASE ACCEPT OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY

ANN MARIE GRASSIA

December 9, 2013

Dear Maureen and family,

Hal was one of the best who treated staff and students as family with the utmost respect. It was a pleasure to work with him. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.

Martha Wicks

December 9, 2013

My condolences to the family. Hal was the best administrator. I enjoyed my years at Poquetanuck School.

Lydia Blacker

December 8, 2013

Hal was a wonderful mentor and friend. His dedication and caring was felt by all who knew him. May his memory be eternal.

December 8, 2013

I remember Harold and Maureen all the many years I lived in N.S. and drove School Bus for all his kids. As we walk through life we never forget the good people. He is safe in God,s Hands. God bless his family and friends.

Always a Friend
Carol Burdick

Carol Burdick

December 8, 2013

Hal was the most dedicated administrator I ever had the pleasure to work for. He loved his students and wanted you to give them the best.

Judith Gilbert

December 8, 2013

Sorry for your loss, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Dolly & Tom Majewski

December 8, 2013

You've earned your wings and then some. Miss you so much and I know I'll see you again in heaven. You will always be remembered, cheers uncle Hal

steve

December 8, 2013

My sincere condolences to Mr. Karsten's family. He was my 5th grade teacher at the Old Mystic Elementary School and my science teacher at Mystic Jr. High. He was my most favorite teacher of all time. He certainly had a very important role in my early development and education. He was the best of the best and I will always remember him fondly. I am so sorry to hear of his passing. MT thoughts and prayers are with you all. God Bless You.

Mark Bogue

December 8, 2013

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