Mary Ellen Karsten

Mary Ellen Karsten, age 88, of Marengo, passed away June 3, 2021, at Highland Ridge Care Center, Williamsburg. Funeral service: 10:00 a.m., Monday, June 7, 2021, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Marengo, with Pastor Andrew Gray officiating. Burial will be in the Marengo Cemetery. Visitation: 2 to 5 p.m., Sunday, June 6, 2021, at Kloster Funeral Home, Marengo. A memorial fund has been established.

Mary is survived by her two children David “Nate” Karsten, of Marengo and Deanne (Doug) Kinzenbaw, of Marengo; six grandchildren, Darrin (Katie) Kinzenbaw, Danelle (Eli) Boone, Allison (Travis) Schlabach, Cara Stoddard (Jake), McKenna (Dillon) Feldmann and Tyler (Cody) Schilling; 10 great-grandchildren, Landon and Hannah Kinzenbaw, Ashlea Mente, Austin Schlabach, Noah, Owen, Aiden and Asher Stoddard, Jay and Julia Feldmann, and a baby girl Boone on the way in August; two great-great-grandchildren, Bristal and Berklea Mente; and a niece Mary Anne Karsten. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Dale Sr., and two sons, Dale Jr., and Denny Karsten. Mary also had a sister, Hope.

Mary was born February 13, 1933, in Iowa City. She graduated from Marengo High School in 1951. Mary was united in marriage to Dale Allen Karsten, Sr., May 25, 1952, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Marengo. They were the first couple to be married in the new church. The couple made their home in Marengo. Mary worked at the Conroy Development Center/REA and later at Big G Food Store, in Marengo. She enjoyed talking on the phone with friends and taking rides in the truck. Mary especially loved spending time with all of her family.