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Donald Karsten Obituary

Donald J. Karsten Shelby, IN Donald J. Karsten, age 69, of Shelby, IN, passed away on Saturday, June 26, 2004. He is survived by his wife, Amelia; one son James Karsten of St. John, IN; two daughters, Christine Millies of Frankfort, IL and Nadine Bowbeer of New Lenox, IL; two grandchildren Kelly C. Millies and Matthew D. Millies; and one sister, Carole Rogers of Bradenton, FL. He was preceded in death by one brother Harold G. Karsten Jr. in 1981. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, June 29, 2004, 11:00 AM at the Sheets Funeral Home, 604 E. Commercial Ave., Lowell, IN, Father Stephen Snoich O.S.B. officiating. Cremation following. Friends are invited to call on Monday from 2 to 9 p.m. at the funeral home. Donald was a former member of the Shelby volunteer Firemen and the Jaycees. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, and golfer at Sandy Pines Golf Course. Donald raised Labrador Retrievers since 1966.

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Published by The Times from Jun. 28 to Jun. 29, 2004.

Memories and Condolences
for Donald Karsten

17 Entries

Karen Phelps

July 28, 2004

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 that both you boys are watching me everyday now like you are watching the rest of the family. I miss you both very much and you both played a very important part in my life that I cannot even begin to express. As I sit here and write this the tears come but also the memories come. Dad take care of uncle Don and the two of you stay out of trouble up there and watch over all of us as you have watched over us Dad in the past. I love you both and will miss you both more than I can say.

Amelia Karsten

July 9, 2004

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!

Kay Sterling

July 7, 2004

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 wonderful daughter.

With Love, Kay Sterling
(Norm's sister.)

ron van raalte

July 7, 2004

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.

Gerald Lachcik

July 6, 2004

Deepest Sympathy from

Gerald & Terrill Lachcik

Lora Muchmore (Rogers)

July 5, 2004

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

Kelly Andrews-Hughes

July 5, 2004

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. -- Kelly Andrews-Hughes

Dave Rogers

July 5, 2004

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 duck blind.

Through hunting, going to Idaho with

Uncle Don and Jimmy when I was 12, my childhood and my adult life is shaped by memories, lessons and examples taught to me by Uncle Don.

He was an honest man, a good man, and I will miss him terribly. However, he will live on through the good works of myself and his children, passing on his legacy.

Uncle, I love you, and always will remember you.

Your loving nephew,

DAVID ROGERS

Doris Jackson

July 4, 2004

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 all the Griffins. Bill Haan send his regards also.

Carole Rogers(Karsten)

July 4, 2004

Just a short story about the kind of brother Don was. In 1967,Ihad 3 small children under the age of 4(I later discovered what was causing all that). I'm sure all of you from the midwest remember the great snowstorm of 1967. My husband was two states away on business and snowed in. Three days later,with a very sick child and very little food,I had an eight foot drift blocking the front door. The door bell rang and there was my brother Don with his dog Sandy,holding a gallon of milk and a carton of saltines. He had tunneled his way thru the drift after walking and hitching short rides with anything that moved all the way from the south side of Chicago(Roseland). It was at least 15 miles from my house in South Holland. He stood there with a grin on his face and said,"I'll trade you a gallon of milk for a shot and a beer". He stayed two days and shoveled the driveway and sidewalks. On the the fourth day after the storm ended,the snow plows finally came thru. Dave got home the following day,after the State Police let him thru. He was a good and honorable man that loved his family and friends. He was always fair and honest with all who crossed his path in life and I loved him deeply. So---I say good-bye to him for now and I will continue to see him in the faces of his wonderful and loving family.

Carole

Jerry Kirk

July 3, 2004

Don was a true friend and even though we lived many miles apart my thoughts will always be with him and his wonderful wife. Im sorry we will never have the chance to play that game of golf that we talked of the last time I saw Don,But the world lost a true humanitarian with the passing of Don .

our condolenses

Jerry&Gayle Kirk

Carole Rogers (Karsten)

July 2, 2004

I guess that I knew and loved Don the longest. His nickname was "Buderuski". I have no idea where my Mom came up with that one. I used to love to tease him when we were kids. My Mother used to make him walk me to and from school. One day,I was angry with him because he would'nt let me walk with him(Ihad to walk exactly one full city block behind him and all his friends. I crossed the street without him knowing it and went into Palmer Park. I came across a homeless man(called bums back then) who was going to the bathroom. When I got home,I told my Mom that some guy exposed himself to me and my poor brother got in BIG trouble. the next day she complained to old Mr. Gately who was on the Chicago Park board and all the bushes were removed along South Park Avenue(now Martin Luther King Drive. Tune in tomorrow for another story of the most wonderful brother in the world.

I will always be his loving sister

Carole

Ken Johnson

July 2, 2004

Don was truly an amazing man. As a childhood friend of my father,Don, Millie, and the kids were at several family functions paving the road to a long friendship with Nadine and now,Norm. Don, as I new him was always filled with life. He seemed to bring out the good times in everbody.Man could that guy dance.I can only hope the we all have the oppurtunity to truly enjoy life as Donny Karsten did. My thoughts go out to all who new him. We will all miss him.

Joseph & Nancy Spiller

July 2, 2004

We shall miss our GREAT Brother-in-law, Don. He was loved by us and

he loved life. We share your loss our dear sister Amelia and darling

niece's Christine and Nadine and nephew Jim. Love

Jeff Ramone

July 2, 2004

My deepest sympathies the Karsten family. My memories of Mr. Karsten are from when Nadine and I were in high school together. He was such a happy, friendly and welcoming man. He always made me and all of Nadine's friend like we were memebers of his family. He was very hospitable and welcoming. He will be missed. All my best to Nadine and her mom and siblings in this tough time.

Nadine Karsten-Bowbeer

July 1, 2004

Don Karsten was my father and he was one of the most fun loving and good natured individuals you will ever meet. He enjoyed everyday of his life, and lived it to the fullest. I was in complete shock when my mom called on Saturday, but know that my dad is in the BEST hands and will be watching over our family. Thanks for all the wonderful years, they were truly a blessing! WE LOVE YOU and will miss you very much!

James Burt

June 29, 2004

Our deepest sympathies to Amelia. I am sorry we couldn't get back. Don will be sorely missed by myself, and all the other golfers who knew him.

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