Thelma Karstens

THELMA B. KARSTENS

Thelma B. Karstens, 98, a long-time resident of this area, passed away late Monday, February 10, 2014, at the Heritage House of Atlantic.

The daughter of Walter and Bertha Hansen Hoegh, she was born December 6, 1915, in Atlantic, Iowa. She grew up in the Marne area and prior to her marriage, she worked at various jobs, including being a nanny in California. Thelma was united in marriage to Orville P. Karstens, February 26, 1941, in St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Atlantic. They farmed for most of their lives, coming to the Atlantic area 68 years ago. Thelma was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church and was very involved teaching Sunday School and helping with church activities. She was an enthusiastic member of the Bear Grove Priscilla Club, enjoyed gardening, mowing, and other outdoor activities. Thelma was known for her ever present camera, taking pictures of family and the great outdoors. For the last four years, Thelma was a resident of the Allen House of Atlantic.

Thelma is survived by her three sons, Dennis Karstens of Corning, Wayne Karstens and his wife, Linda S. Elliott Karstens of Indianola, Daryl Karstens and wife, Linda M. Rothe Karstens of Atlantic; eight grandchildren, Paul Karstens and his wife, Dena, Lisa Karstens Vermillian and her husband, Dennis, John Karstens and his wife, Pamila, Stephanie Karstens Eggers and her husband, Kaine, Chad Karstens and special friend, Sarah, Brian Karstens and his wife, Heather, Matthew Karstens, Christopher Karstens and his wife, Cydney; 19 great grandchildren & 1 great great grandchild; her sister-in-law, Janet Jacobsen Hoegh; and several nieces, nephews, cousins & other relatives.

She was preceded in death by her husband. Orville P. Karstens; her parents, Bertha & Walter Hoegh; her sisters, Adel Rude and husband, Kenny and Irene Vollrath and husband, Art; her brother, Leon Hoegh; two nephews, Jerry Hoegh and Stanley Rude; her sister-in-law, Severa Seville; and her brother-in-law, Morris Seville.