Kenneth H Karsten, son of Dr. Horace and Vera Rockdaschel Karsten, was born March 16, 1938, at Sumner, Iowa. He was baptized and confirmed at St. John Lutheran Church in Sumner. He received his education in the Sumner Schools, graduating in 1956. He later attended Upper Iowa University.
On June 17, 1960, he was united in marriage with Carolyn Crouse at the United Methodist Church in Traer. Carolyn’s death occurred on April 9, 2008. He married Marlys Heller on September 5, 2009, at Faith Evangelical Church in Sumner.
Ken worked for the Bremer County Transportation Department before working for 33 years with Thermogas of Sumner. He retired in 1996.
His death occurred from cancer at Community Memorial Hospital in Sumner on Tuesday, May 4, 2010. He was 72 years old and a longtime member of the Sumner United Methodist Church. He had also been a member of the Sumner Volunteer Fire Department, had served on the Hillcrest Home board of directors, and at the time of his death, was serving on the Wilson Grove Cemetery board. He also was a member of the Trail Riders when he owned horses.
In addition to his wife, Marlys of Sumner, he is survived by Kerri Karsten of Kansas City, Kansas, Kendra (Greg) Buenger of Charles City, and Cheryl (Craig) Kern of Des Moines; four grandchildren, Alex and Torey Buenger, and Kort and Clay Kern; three stepsons, Tyron (Jody) Heller of Liberty, Missouri, Troy (Deb) Heller of Tripoli, and Todd (Lisa) Heller of Sumner; ten step grandchildren; and one step great grandson.
Services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, May, 2010, at the United Methodist Church in Sumner with Hugh Mackintosh L.C.M. officiating. Friends may call from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Friday, May 7, 2010, at the United Methodist Church in Sumner and for one hour preceding services at the church on Saturday. Interment will be at Wilson Grove Cemetery in Sumner.
