PETER KARSTEN

KARSTEN--Peter R., "Pete." Born May 10, 1938, in Schenectady, NY, the son of Leone Mae Wasson and Walter F. R. Karsten, and died December 1, 2024, at the University of Kansas Hospital from complications of lung cancer. Pete grew up in Glen Ridge, NJ, and enjoyed lifelong friendships with his Glen Ridge High School classmates. A gradate of Lehigh University, his career included technical/medical publishing, bookstore owner, and running the Golden Gloves amateur boxing tournament for the New York Daily News for several years, all in New York City. In April 1980, Pete and Sally Barhydt were married in Brooklyn Heights, NY, having met as editorial colleagues at McGraw-Hill. Sally's work took them to Stamford, CT, where they lived for 5 years, returning to NYC in 1998. Both retired in 2007 and moved to Kansas City, MO, Sally's home town. Transplanted to the Midwest and wherever he lived, Pete found a golf course, a pub, and a good place to walk, and so it was in Kansas City. He switched his allegiance from the Mets and Jets to the Royals and Chiefs, subscribed to the New York Times, and worked a crossword puzzle or two every day. His favorite month was July when he followed the Tour de France on television while marking the route on his Michelin map of France, and the British Open, which he was delighted to see twice in St. Andrews, Scotland. He added English Premier League soccer to his sports viewing through New York fans of Newcastle United. A constant reader, he chose books and articles on science and the natural world. Classical music, mostly on local radio, accompanied many of his activities. Together Sally and Pete enjoyed traveling to Europe, U.S. national parks, and Canada, including a memorable railroad trip from Vancouver to Cape Breton, and frequent Amtrak trips. Annual visits to New York maintained ties to friends and family. In addition to his wife, Peter is survived by his sister Bonnie Wasson, Saratoga Springs, NY; nephews James Burleigh (Marla), South Glens Falls, NY, and Peter Burleigh, Saratoga Springs; great-nieces Madeline and Anna Burleigh; brother-in-law Frank W. Barhydt, Los Angeles, CA; sister-in-law Janie Foltz (Gary), Kansas City, MO; nephews Jason and Brett Barhydt (Natalia); nieces Amy Judy and Megan Mertell (Phillip); great-nep- hews Keaton and Hudson Judy and great-niece Ellie Barhydt Peralta; and a host of friends across the country with whom he and Sally shared so many good times. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Peter's memory to the Village Presbyterian Church Food Pantry (9960 Mission Rd., Overland Park, KS 66207), the Nurture Nature Center (518 Northampton St., Easton PA 18042), or a charity of your choice. A memorial service will be held at 11am on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at Village Presbyterian Church, 6641 Mission Rd., Prairie Village KS 66208; live streamed at 11am CST https://villagepres.org/online