Katherine Ann Carstens

Katherine Ann "Kate" Carstens passed away on Tuesday, November 28, 2023 at MyMichigan Long Term Care. Kate was born June 3, 1951 in Lansing, MI, the 4th child of Henry and Rosemary (Fritsche) Dunkelberg. She attended Northern Michigan University, Northwestern and Michigan State University, earning her Masters Degree in Education.
The Dunkelberg family helped Kate's father build a cottage on Lake Michigan in what would become Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park. They would spend many fun summer months in this idyllic spot. Kate loved being at the cottage, walking the beach gathering Petoskey stones and laying on a blanket reading. In later years Kate would often drive her father and her son, Jason, to Traverse City to stay at the cottage.
She continued the family tradition of peanut brittle and Christmas candy making and taught the craft to Jason.
She taught computer programs to the Michigan House of Representatives and then traveled the country to teach computer programs to divisions of the Dart Corporation.
When Kate was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, she moved to Sault Ste. Marie to be near her son. She enjoyed playing bingo, winning prizes she would then give to her granddaughters.
Kate will be greatly missed. She was a much-loved mother, grandmother and friend. She is survived by her son Jason, his wife Emily, and her granddaughters Brynn Ann and Mia Ann.
Also surviving are her siblings George Dunkelberg, John Dunkelberg and Susan Stack. She was predeceased by her parents, Henry and Rosemary.
Kate's final resting place will be in Good Harbor Bay in Maple City, MI.
Per Kate's request there will be no service.
Jason and Emily would like to thank Dr Mackie and the Long-Term Care staff for their loving care of Kate.
Family Life Funeral Homes serves the family. Condolences may be left to the family at www.csmulder.com