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Richard Carstensen Obituary
West Des Moines
Rich Carstensen, 69, passed away suddenly on February 1, 2016. A Celebration of his Life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, February 5, 2016 at Lutheran Church of Hope, 925 Jordan Creek Parkway, WDM. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m., Friday at the church.
Rich was born October 1, 1946 in Odebolt, Iowa.
He is survived by his wife, Linda Carstensen; daughters, Libby Carstensen and Holly (Andrew) Green and two grandchildren, Zane and Ian.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Lutheran Church of Hope Children's Ministries.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Carstensen
Cheryl Sellstrom Moe
January 29, 2024
I was just thinking of Rich the other day, and then this reminder popped up. He was a classmate like no other. We miss him at every class reunion.
Cheryl Moe
January 29, 2019
I'm not sure why a reminder showed up in my email today, but I have often thought of Rich in the last few years and wish that I would see him again at a class reunion. I hope that all is going well for you now as you continue with your life without Rich.
Shannon and Tim Driscoll
February 10, 2016
Mr. Rich was such a wonderful warm man who both of our sons in KQ 12 years ago!Even recently we ran into him out and about and he remembered our boys and asked about them! What a special man!
Kelli Christophersen
February 5, 2016
I am so very sorry for your loss! I am the daughter of one of Richard's cousins, Clarice Carstensen Christophersen. My childhood memories of summers and Thanksgivings with the Carstensen family are precious to me. I hope you find comfort in the arms of The Lord, and know that the veil is very thin. Sending love and prayers. Again, please accept my heartfelt condolences.
Janene, Nevin and Daisy Suddarth
February 4, 2016
Linda, so many fond memories of Rich working on cars with oldies music playing, the patio project and him grilling out back under a shade tree as Sam lay in the cool grasses by his side. We will miss him. We're never far away!
Donna Gonyea
February 4, 2016
Linda, my husband and I met Rich in the early 70's. We were friends & neighbors in Saylorville w/Linda & Dick Short. When I heard Rich's name on the news, I just couldn't believe it was true; especially after all your family has suffered with the loss of Linda & Dick at so young an age. I know Rich accomplished much in his lifetime & there are those who benefited from knowing him & your family. May the Will of God direct you each day, and May the peace of God ever dwell in your heart.
Margaret Gustafson
February 4, 2016
Linda, Holly and Libby, my heart is full of sadness and prayers as you suddenly find a big hole in your hearts with the death of husband, and father. I loved what Richard brought into my Mom's life when you lived as neighbors in Iowa. I so enjoyed and appreciated his wit and genuine care for Mother and me which I observed when visiting from South Africa. May you find the God of all comfort to walk with you in your grief. Love Margie
Barb Magee
February 4, 2016
Linda, I'm heartbroken. My love and prayers are with you and your entire family. You are loved by so many and we will all lift you up and are there for you...and with you.
Jen Wadsworth
February 4, 2016
Linda (& Sammy), we are so sad to hear bout Rich. Please let us know if we can help with anything. Jen Wadsworth & Jon Goranson (602)
Jane Carrier
February 4, 2016
Linda, My heart goes out to you & your family during this difficult time. Richard was a classmate of mine in Odebolt. He was always so positive & kind to everyone. My thoughts & prayers are with you. I am so sorry...
Jim Siebersma
February 4, 2016
Linda, Libby & Holly & families. I am very saddened and extend my deepest sympathies to you on the loss of your husband and father. Rich was in my Wednesday morning Men of HOPE group and I had come to know him as a good man, great husband, and excellent father. I'm comforted in knowing where Rich now is, and look forward to seeing him in our eternal home.
God bless you all in your time of grief and mourning and eventual healing.
Merle Boerner
February 4, 2016
Richard was a classmate and friend in K-12 school in Odebolt. I am so glad I got to visit with him at our 50th class reunion last summer and he still had his sharp wit. My deepest
sympathy to his family.
Dan and Patti Schumacher
February 4, 2016
Linda,Holly and Libby we are so very sorry for your loss. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
February 4, 2016
We extend our deepest sympathy. God will give you strength to move through this. Blessings, Dale and Linda Godbersen
Cindy Marean
February 4, 2016
Linda C I am so sorry for your loss. Please let me know if there is anything I can do. Thinking of you all of the time.
Kerry and Deb Reinhart
February 4, 2016
Linda, You and the girls have our deepest sympathy. We will be thinking of you and you will be in our prayers.
Cheryl Sellstrom Moe
February 3, 2016
Rich was a great classmates for all those many years back in Odebolt. I always looked forward to seeing him at reunions. The news of his death was quite a shock. You and the family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Mary Sue Roth
February 3, 2016
Linda Im so sorry for your loss. Rich was a great guy. He will be missed by so many people. You have my deepest sympathy. Take care and I Love you.
Linda Anderson
February 3, 2016
Linda, I am so sorry to hear about Rich. You will be in my prayers!
Sin Linman
February 3, 2016
Linda, Holly and Libby: I am so sorry for your loss. You must be overwhelmed. I am shocked with the events and am keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Peace. Sina
Sina Linman
February 3, 2016
Oh, Linda, Libby and Holly. I am so sorry for your loss. That is heart braking to hear of Richard's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Such a sudden loss can be so hard to deal with. Sina
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