Kim Julius Carstens

Kim Julius Carstens

June 26, 1956-May 31, 2023

BETTENDORF-Kim Julius Carstens, 66, of Bettendorf, passed away Wednesday, May 31, 2023 in Bettendorf, after an extended illness with Erdheim-Chester Disease. Services will be Tuesday, June 6 at 10 am at The Runge Mortuary. Kim's wishes are that the funeral service be a celebration of his life and hopes a few stories and laughs will be the main focus of his service. Visitation will be Monday from 5 pm until 7 pm, at the Runge Mortuary. His final resting place will be in the Rock Island National Cemetery. Memorials may go to the Erdheim-Chester Global Alliance. Online condolences may be left at rungemortuary.com.

Kim was born in Davenport on June 26, 1956. He was the son of Edward C. and Mary A. (Thibodeaux) Carstens. He graduated from Davenport West High School in 1974.

He married Gina A. Catalona on October 31, 1981 in Davenport and together lived in Bettendorf and LeClaire.

He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force. He was a member of the First Alert Team at Dover AFB in Dover, DE from 1975-1976. Later, he served at Scott Air Force Base in Illinois.

Kim began his working career at United Parcel Service as a driver in 1978. He retired in 2006 having been inducted into the UPS Circle of Honor. During his workdays as a driver in Muscatine, Fruitland and Letts, he met many lifelong friends.

He bowled for over 40 years and could walk into any bowling alley and know somebody. He also enjoyed golfing and got to know the woods around many area golf courses. Kim was a diehard St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan and St. Louis Blues hockey fan. He asked if they win the Stanley Cup again, that everyone pause for a moment and think of him, as he will certainly be dancing in heaven. Kim was also a long-time lover of music, of many types, including Cajun music of his childhood. His family was the most precious thing to him, especially his grandchildren, who he loved more than life itself.

Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Gina, daughter, Melissa (Will) Strutz, Elgin, IL, son, Mark (Kristi) Carstens, LeClaire; grandchildren: Gavin, Charlotte, Haley, Evan "Tank" and Piper; special sister, Dawn (Mike) Birkinbine, Blue Grass along with many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Carl and a sister, Sue Frazier Fuller.