Richard Frode "Dick/Red" Karstoft

Richard "Dick/Red" Frode Karstoft 1935- 2025 Dick passed away peacefully on July 19, 2025, after a long and courageous battle with dementia. He was 90 years old.

Born on April 1, 1935, in Rawlins, Wyoming, to Danish emigrants Frode and Eda Karstoft, Dick spent his early years exploring the rugged country surrounding Rawlins alongside his father, a government trapper. It was during those formative years that he developed a deep love for the outdoors - hunting, fishing, and hiking became lifelong passions.

A graduate of Rawlins High School, Dick was active in "R" Club and football. Not long after graduation, while working as a truck driver, he caught a glimpse of a barefoot girl riding a horse at her home in Coyote Springs and declared to his co-worker, "I'm going to marry that girl someday." And he did. He was soon drafted into the U.S. Army, and during his service, he married that same barefoot girl, Margaret.

After his military service, Dick earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Wyoming and completed his Professional Engineering (PE) accreditation. He then dedicated 35 plus years to the Wyoming Highway Department, helping to shape the infrastructure of his beloved home state.

Dick and Margaret raised their family with a spirit of adventure and love of the outdoors. Together, they spent countless weekends camping, fishing, water skiing, snowmobiling, hunting for arrowheads, flying his 172 Cessna, and exploring the backcountry on their motorcycles and four-wheelers. Family time often included extended relatives and was always full of laughter and stories. He treasured his time spent with friends from Elk Mountain and Saratoga. After their children were grown, Dick and Margaret continued their adventures with a close-knit group of friends known as "The Hog Park Gang."

Upon retirement, the couple purchased a motorhome and spent winters exploring the Southwest. Eventually, they began wintering in Lake Havasu, Arizona, where they enjoyed shuffleboard, happy hours, rock hunting, and new friendships. Multiple trips were taken to visit family in Denmark and Sweden to visit family. Additionally, they visited New Zealand and other places in the states with Dick's special Uncle Henry and Karen. Summers were spent at their beautiful home on the North Platte River near Saratoga. Dick especially cherished time with his twin granddaughters, passing on his love of nature, adventure, and storytelling.

Known for his quick wit, boundless energy, and legendary campfire tales, Dick was truly the life of the party and a friend to all who knew him.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Margaret Karstoft; daughter Vicki (Robert); son Kenneth (Stephanie); granddaughters Alysse and Victoria; and sister Peggy. He also leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and adventure that will live on through his family and friends.

A celebration of Dick's life will be held on Saturday, September 20, 2025 at 2:00 PM at St. Marks Episcopal Church in Cheyenne, WY.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the charity of your choice.