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BORN

1987

DIED

2014

FUNERAL HOME

Adair Funeral Homes & El Encanto Memorial Crematory - Avalon Chapel

8090 North Northern Avenue

Oro Valley, Arizona

John Carstens Obituary

John Carstens 27 years old, passed away on September 30, 2014. Born in Tucson, April 14, 1987. An '05 Catalina Foothills H.S. grad John earned a Biomedical Technology Degree from Brown Mackie. John graduated magna cum laude. He received the highest honor, the Distinguished Student Award. John is survived by his parents, Jeff and Lori Carstens; his grandparents, Patricia and Michael Bonura and Lois and Allen Carstens; aunts and uncles, Steve (Renee) Carstens, Tom (Kari) Grant, Karen (Jeff) Miller, Judy (Matt) Bennett, Angela (Brent) Borchers, Damian (Crystal) Bonura and cousins. John was an inspiration. Insightful, loving, caring and a true gentleman…a diamond. Those who knew him were lucky to have found him. A good man, with great integrity, John was devoted to helping others. May he rest in peace! A Visitation/Viewing will be held from 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., Friday, October 10, 2014, ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES, Avalon Chapel, 8090 N. Northern Ave. A Celebration of John's life is scheduled Saturday, October 11, 2014, 11:00 a.m. at Catalina Church North, 480 E. Ina Rd. Guests are asked to share their memories of John. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to 365.24 John's Journey at www.gofundme.com. Funds will go to the Juvenile Diabetes Assoc.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Arizona Daily Star on Oct. 5, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for John Carstens

Not sure what to say?





Taunya Bunke

August 21, 2015

After watching your story, I wanted to reach out to you. You seemed like you were special and a rad dude. I wanted to be your bff. Unfortunately I will never have the joy. I hope your parents are able to cope with such a loss. Rest in peace.

Nerius Divecha

October 23, 2014

Dear Lori and Jeff,
I just heard the news today. I can't begin to know what you are going through. All I can do is offer my sincerest condolences, and my prayers.
Lori, I will always remember John trying to teach me video games at your house during one of our manager meetings. He was about 13 at the time. I was a useless cause but he was so sweet and polite, and did his best not to laugh at me. I will always treasure that memory of him.
Sincerely,

October 20, 2014

Jeff and Lori, my deepest sympathy to you. No words can take the pain away. My prayers are with you. Sylvia Lee

October 16, 2014

We are so sorry for your loss. What an accomplished young man in whom you can be proud! "Boys will tire out and grow weary, And young men will stumble and fall, But those hoping in Jehovah will regain power. They will soar on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary; They will walk and not tire out.”
Warmest Regards,
The Wright Family

BC

October 13, 2014

My condolences to your family. God promises to bring John back to your loving arms on a paradise.(Matthew 5:5)You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Karen Mylan

October 11, 2014

JEff and Lori just heard...Brad & I send our thoughts and prayers and love to you both.

Marti Reyna

October 11, 2014

Lori and Jeff I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved son John He was just a young boy when I last saw him with you Lori. What an amazing young man he became. I hope the words of so many whom he inspired will comfort you in this sorrowful time. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers

Scott Hilkemeyer

October 11, 2014

Beautiful ceremony today. Blessed to have been a part of it.

October 11, 2014

Jeff & Lori, prayers, love and hugs. ?2?

October 11, 2014

John (J.J.) May you rest in peace. We know you are still helping people cope with this disease up in heaven. We will love you always, Uncle Kim and Aunt Lorraine

EDDIE&NANCY EDWARDS

October 10, 2014

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.

Denise Funk Suratt

October 10, 2014

Jeff and Lori, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I know right now words are not much, but please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers and my heart aches for both of you. A big hug from me and anything I could do, please let me know.

October 10, 2014

Jeff and Lori, there are many hearts that ache for you at this time. Although no one can take away your sorrow, may the concern and support of your friends help you through this difficult time.
Dick and Darcy Noonan

October 10, 2014

Jeff and Lori,
I am just heartbroken for you - I am so very sorry for your loss. My prayers are with all of you.
Love, Julie Brogna

October 10, 2014

You have touched the hearts of many. You are a role model, an inspiriation and a true example to what a great young man is. We were blessed to have known you, now heaven is blessed to have you. Your wonderful spirit will always be with us. My heart and prayers are with your family and friends. Cat Moschini

October 10, 2014

Jeff and Lori...Our Condolences and Heartfelt prayers go out to you and your family. We are so very sorry for your loss.

Scott and Stephanie Hartung

October 9, 2014

Please know that we are heartbroken for your loss. And, know that we are praying to God for comfort for your family and friends. Love, Kerrie Thompson and Pam Adams

October 8, 2014

"OUR DEEPEST CONDOLENCES TO JOHN, JEFF & LORI, MAY GOD BLESS!!!!!!!! THROUGH THESE TOUGH TIMES"
THE WIEMANN'S

Anita Valencia

October 8, 2014

Lori, it is with a heavy heart that I write this and cannot imagine the heartache you and your family are feeling over the loss of your beloved son.

No bond is as great as that between a parent and child - my deepest condolences are with you as you grieve and my thoughts and prayers will be with you and your family during this difficult time.

Take comfort in knowing that you now have a special guardian angel to watch over you.

October 7, 2014

Rest in peace John no more pain or suffering!

Lyne / Mark Jones

October 7, 2014

I'm so sadden to here this Lori .Im praying God may comfort you and your family.Im sure he was the best !

Linda Higgins

October 7, 2014

John was a great student and an all-around good guy. I'm sorry to hear that he was taken so soon.

Jo (Joyce Witt) Steeber

October 7, 2014

My deepest condolences to John's family and friends at this time of deep sorrow.

Tony Offret

October 7, 2014

John was a fine young man and an inspiration to all students at college. He will be greatly missed.

Tony Offret

Caron Bemis

October 6, 2014

Such an incredible young man. Always wore a smile no matter what. I remember when he had his knee scooter after a foot surgery and he would cruise in the office just as cool as ever! You will be missed by your family at Tucson Endocrine Associates. RIP till we meet again!

Cheryl Davis

October 6, 2014

I had the pleasure of meeting John when I worked with his Grandma Pat at the P.O. It sounds like he continued to be that fine young man she often bragged about. My sincere condolences for your loss. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.

A friend

October 6, 2014

From a type 1 diabetic... Thank you for the donations you make in johns honor.

Marie Rutan

October 6, 2014

We will miss your smile it was contagious (Tucson Endocrine &Assoc)

Trina Caruthers

October 6, 2014

I knew John he was a very pleasant young man. I worked at the Dr.s office he went to. My prayers are with you and your family.

Susan McHenry Killmer

October 6, 2014

What a tremendous person he must have been to have touched so many so deeply. I am so sorry for your loss.

'Til we meet again...

Eowynn Crowder

October 6, 2014

Rest in peace good friend. I may not have met you but know that you are truly going to be missed and forever in my heart. You were the first friend I made on that page and you definitely made your mark on me. You were always so supportive and helped me through a scary time in my life and I could never thank you enough for that and for just overall being my friend. I'll see you again someday. I can't wait to meet you then. You will forever be missed. ?

Anita Barkley (Napier)

October 6, 2014

Dear Lori,

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. John sounds like an amazing young man. No surprise, he had an amazing Mother. I pray your memories will bring you as much comfort as they have joy. You and your family are in my prayers. Take care of yourself.

Tami Wyman

October 6, 2014

John I know we never met in "the real world" but you were one of my very first friends on the diabetes site. You made me feel so welcome and at ease with being diabetic, something I never felt before. I no longer hid from it but embraced it. I miss seeing your wise words and your smiling face grace my wall each day. You had a huge impact on so many. You are now and will always be missed.

My thoughts and prayers to John's family and to all the lives of those he touched. He was an amazing person.

Soar high in the heavens my friend, I am honored to have known you.

October 6, 2014

My thoughts and prayers are with you.
From a Type 1 Diabetes Mom.

A Gorman

October 6, 2014

My condolences to the lovely family who has lost their amazing young man. John inspired so many with his leadership and happiness. He will be remembered by all those who were blessed to have him touch their lives, even for a short while.
Thank you for being our hero, John <3

October 6, 2014

As you celebrate and remember a life well lived and a son, friend well loved, know that our thoughts, prayers, and support are with you.

Barb Sholl

October 6, 2014

My sincere condolences to you Jeff and Lori! My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

Edna Avila

October 6, 2014

John you were a trully amazing person im so happy to have met though madeulook for a cure, we didn't talk much but the few times we did i could tell you had a caring soul, you will trully be missed and I'm happy to say i was able to call you my friend

Tanya

October 6, 2014

The world was a better place because of your beautiful soul, you will be missed dearly John.

Benhaim Olivier

October 6, 2014

John you were an amazing soul. I'll deeply miss you and your sweetness. There's people you talk with only 10 minutes in your life than have an impact on more than friends you have for 20 years, to me, you were that person, someone that had a huge impact on people just by talking with and being himself.
You made the world a better place and heaven is lucky to have someone like you in, you'll make heaven a better place now. We'll see again somewhere else my friend, while waiting this moment I'll keep you in my heart.

Ahndrea

October 6, 2014

You know when you have never interacted with someone, you just see the example they lead, and that impacts your life so much, you've got someone special. I said it before and I'll say it again. We need more Johns in this world. He was a positive light and he was such a joy to have around. God bless John. God bless his family.

Maria Nd Mike Sanford

October 5, 2014

Our condolences to you all. We were so sorry to hear of your loss.
Aunt Maria and Uncle Mike

Mariah Bongiovanni

October 5, 2014

It's really upsetting to see the world loose the most kind and caring man I have ever met. I'm sure everyone knew that he was in the Diabetes group created by Lex. When I first got into the group he would always comment on my posts and help me with any diabetic problem. He was one of the only people to make me feel truly accepted and welcomed into the group. Even though I didn't know him personally I knew that from all the posts and comments he was an amazing person. My condolences go out to his family and friends.

Jason Meadows

October 5, 2014

John was a source of support, humor, and a true compatriot. He will be sorely missed. The hearts of many go out to you and yours in this difficult time.

Karen Miller

October 5, 2014

My Dearest Nephew-
LOVE YOU, MISS YOU, MEAN IT!!! XOXO!!

All MY LOVE~ Auntie Karen

Karen Miller

October 5, 2014

My Dearest JJ!
LOVE YOU, MISS YOU, MEAN IT!! My heart is broken and we will never be the same without you here with us!! Watch over us and keep us safe!! XOXO- Auntie Karen, (Grant, and Uncle Jeff too)!

Karen Gopp (mills)

October 5, 2014

Lori, I send you much love and strength. You and your family are in my prayers. Xxoo

Jessica Hall

October 5, 2014

John was an amazing person and will forever be in all our hearts. He was always brightening someone's day even without trying :) I know he definitely cheered me up a few times without knowing it <3 Thank you for being such an amazing person John and thank you for being yourself <3

Shannon Gallagher

October 5, 2014

John had always been there for anyone in need of laughter, venting, or advice, and most of the time, he fulfilled them all at once. I only knew him since February of this year, but it felt like a wall slammed into me when I had heard the news. He was a great man but was taken way too soon. His legacy will live on through every life he has touched, for no one should be able to forget someone with such impact.

Pam (Reing) Pace

October 5, 2014

Lori, I am deeply saddened to hear of the loss of your beloved son. May God bless you and your family and keep you close as you find strength and peace honoring John. All my love,

Barb Eaton-Albertsen

October 5, 2014

Lori & Jeff: My heart goes out to you at this very difficult time. Know that your Amphi family is here to assist in any way. We love you! May John rest in peace and may you two find loving, comforting memories to carry on with your lives. I'm so, so sorry!

Sarah Peary

October 5, 2014

To the amazing parents who brought up this memorable young man. I have not seen him since high-school and when I found out, I broke into tears. That IS how memorable John is. He brought so much joy to the round table in high school and he was an awesome biology mate :) Please know my family has you in our hearts and cannot fathom the pain you are experiencing. Without knowing you, you are loved. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to have had his friendship. - Sarah Meyer

Cathie Treu

October 5, 2014

There are no words when this happens to someone so young. Lots of hugs, support and prayers going to Lori and Jeff.

Rhiannon

October 5, 2014

My thoughts and prayers go out to John's family. I only had the pleasure of speaking to John once and his humor always shone through no matter what he talked about. He will be truly missed! RIP John xx

Patrick Bartley

October 5, 2014

You will be missed in group, you were always there for everyone. I know you will take this opportunity to watch out for all of us and be our Guardian Angel. You are a great guy and I will truly miss you, until the day we meet again you will always be in our hearts and prayers. R.I.P. fellow warrior.

Elré van den Heever

October 5, 2014

I did not know John very well, but in the short time that I started knowing him he had a positive influence on me and influenced my perception of our Diabetes. He was lovely and funny and had a great outlook on life. I will miss him in MadeUlook for a cure. My condolences to his family and friends. My heart goes out to you. God Bless. Elré-Potchefstroom, South Africa

Brittney Fusco

October 5, 2014

I never talked to John personally, but I feel as if I learned a lot about him through his posts on the madeulook for a cure page. He was kind, insightful, helpful, and all above a great person. My deepest condolences go out to Johns family, and I know he will be watching over everyone.

Rachel Spina

October 5, 2014

I didn't post much in MadeYewLookForACure, but when I did, you always responded. May you continue to watch over us. Love and light to your family during this difficult time. Fly high with the Angels!

Diana Vasquez

October 5, 2014

I had never lost anybody in my life. I am so sad you had to be the first. We were virtual friends, far from each other, but when I just got diagnosed, you were one of the first people to talk to me on the Madeulook for a Cure group. You helped me out, listened to my health problems.. Thank you for being you. Rest in peace, John. You touched the life of many.

Amanda Owens

October 5, 2014

Though I never got to personally meet John, he always was there with encouraging words, or something funny to brighten the day. He will be greatly missed in our group at Made you look for a Cure. He was not just a friend and a smile, but family. Until we meet again.

Rachael Mellor

October 5, 2014

I can't say i had the honour of knowing John very well; we maybe had a couple of exchanges on Facebook, in his typical positive style, he would reply to mine, and many other's comments about our Diabetes woes, with a happy, positive, wonderful attitude. All I can say is, it broke my heart. I would always see him comment on other people's messages, and he brought so much light to many people: he was always so uplifting, and in a world where there is so much trying to drag everybody down, he was not afraid to swim the other way. I know he will be missed by many, across the world. His parents should be very proud they raised someone who touched so many people, even in a small way. x

Kristin Wacha

October 5, 2014

I had many conversations with John and grew very fond of him. He was always supportive and helpful when we needed him and then he would be there for us to lift our spirits with any joke he could come up with. He was always one of the first people in Lex's group to offer a lending hand no matter how big or small the problem in your life was. I will truly miss having conversations with him and his input in my life. You will be missed by many John, may you rest in peace.

Alexys Fleming

October 5, 2014

There are so many things that I can say about John, including that he absolutely was a kind and loving soul that was taken way too soon. I first started speaking with John a long time ago, when he shared his story with me privately. This was all the way back when I didn't yet have overflowing messages, and my diabetes group did not yet exist. For those of you who know John's story, you will understand exactly how strong this man is and was. Although I was not there when he was going through hard times, I am and always will be extremely proud of the hurdles that he got through, and his huge change in perspective. John turned what seemed to be a huge negative in his life into a positive, and became extremely knowledgable on Diabetes, thanks to his loving family, and assistance from some others. He was always extremely helpful in my Diabetes group, and a friend to MANY of us. It seems so odd how people will grow so close online, but at the end of the day, we are all people on the other side of the keyboard. We all have our own feelings, life stories, struggles, and accomplishments. For everyone who had the pleasure of chatting with John online, I am sure they will all agree that he helped MANY get through rough times, and made all of us laugh with his witty comments. He is extremely missed, I know not only by myself, but also by my family, and the entire group. John will ALWAYS be a huge part of everything I am involved in with spreading awareness and helping others. He is a hero.

Tara bubb

October 5, 2014

RIP john - May you fly high with your wings. Your so missed in group, fellow warrior to us all.
Much love to your family during this time.

Gamie Irwin

October 5, 2014

He will always be an ANGEL by your side

matthew hoult

October 5, 2014

Dear John, Thank you for being the most genuine, caring and supportive amazing young man, who i came to respect and hold in the highest regard, Our group will not be the same, i will miss our funny chats but most of all my friend! my thoughts and best wishes are with you all on this day! John you left your mark on this world and you left your mark on all of us, we will miss you greatly! i wont say goodbye but until we meet again! your aussie mate Matt Hoult Rest In Peace, i will never forget you!

Jesi

October 5, 2014

John encouraged and inspired so many of us. He was always so charming and insightful. He will be greatly missed. Sending thoughts and prayers to his loved ones and all who's heart he touched.

Mark Borchers

October 5, 2014

Lori and Jeff, my heart goes out to you and the entire family!

Showing 1 - 75 of 75 results

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Memorial Events
for John Carstens

Oct

10

Visitation

5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Adair Funeral Homes & El Encanto Memorial Crematory - Avalon Chapel

8090 North Northern Avenue, Oro Valley, AZ 85704

Oct

11

Celebration of Life

11:00 a.m.

Catalina Church North

480 E. Ina Rd., AZ

Funeral services provided by:

Adair Funeral Homes & El Encanto Memorial Crematory - Avalon Chapel

8090 North Northern Avenue, Oro Valley, AZ 85704

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