Donald Karsten

Today I think back 23 year's ago when I lost my father (Don's brother) and can't help feeling the loss that affected our family again last month when we lost Uncle Don. I did not just lose an uncle that day I lost the only other father I have had for the past 23 years. He was there for me when my father passed away, he was there for support, friendship, guidance, child rearing, love, and so much more for the past 23 years. It was like living that heartache all over again. I know in my heart...

I don't think I have to tell anyone that Don was a dynamic person.
Don loved cliche's, like "a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush" -
"your running around like a chicken with your head cut off" so I have a cliche that will describe his thorough and organized character -
"he didn't leave a stone unturned" -
I will miss him!

I had the honor of meeting Don at Norm and Nadine's wedding. He was so happy to see his daughter, Nadine getting married. The image of Don that I have burned in my memory is that of him sitting next to Nadine on the couch, at Chris's house just before the wedding. Nadine looked absolutely radiant in her wedding dress, and Don so handsome in his tuxedo.

While I did not have the opportunity to get to know Don well, I know he must have been a terrific person, because he sure raised a...

I have generally thought relatives are nice to you because they have to and friends because they want to. Don was a friend and relative who you could laugh with, cry with, party with, and talk to. He would do the most amazing, unexpected acts of kindness. He was virtually the last relative I had and Carol and I will miss him deeply.

Deepest Sympathy from
Gerald & Terrill Lachcik

I have so many fond memories of Uncle Don and all of them include his great sense of fun. As I look back at the big moments in life, Uncle Don’s smile is not far away. My wedding day was a special day, but one of the most memorable moments was Uncle Don doing the limbo with Nadine and Chris and they were all having so much fun. We will miss you Uncle Don but your love and fun spirit already lives on with your wonderful children. -- Lora

Don and Millie have been friends with my family for well over 40 years. Don had a very soft and loving spirit. Don and Millie both had a very special relationship with my parents, and we have so many wonderful memories of going to their cottage as well as their home in Crete. Don will be greatly missed by my entire family. We feel so blessed that we were able to spend time with him at Nadine & Norm's wedding. Our hearts and prayers go out to Millie and the kids. We love you all very much. --...

Uncle Don was a very influential figure in my life. When I was a young boy, he and my cousin Jimmy would take me to Shelby hunting for the weekend. Their would be 8-12 hunting weekends a year. Uncle Don would pick me up after he got off work on Friday. We would go to the cottage, make dinner, and prepare for the next day. Around 4 am the alarm would go off, and we would go out to hunt. Uncle Don was very patient with my Cousin and myself. Many a duck was lost to Jimmy and I laughing in the...

I was very fortunate to meet the Karstens many years ago,when I played "southerner posing as a Yankee" in Steger. I was so glad to have the chance to see him again at Nadine's wedding and spend a few moments talking with him about his most cherished possession- Nadine. It was a very emotional time when he voiced his relief that he "had made it to see her married".
Our thoughts and love are sent to all of you from my family. Doris,Michael,Gary,Daniel, Billy,Joan,Granny and Grandpa and...