Gene R. Karsten

Gene R. Karsten, 90, of St. Joseph, with his family by his side, went to be with his Lord on Friday April 19th, 2013. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:30AM Thursday April 25th at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Road St. Joseph, officiated by Rev Marlo O. Fritzke, with military rights in his honor, to be conducted by North Berrien Military Rites Team. A private Burial will be held at a later date. The visitation for family and friends will be from 5 to 7PM on Wednesday April 24th Starks & Menchinger Chapel. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorials be made to the SW Michigan Humane Society. Friends wishing to sign the family guest book or to leave a message of condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Gene will be remembered by his family and friends, as a genuine, loving, caring, father, grandfather and friend. He touched the lives of many people with his smile, laughter and great sense of humor, all the way to the end. In his early years, he loved to hunt, fish, and boat on Lake Michigan. He also enjoyed playing league golf, laughing and having fun with his family and friends. He was an avid reader, and loved the Chicago Bears. He was born to the late William and Marie Karsten, March 2, 1923 in St. Joseph, Mich. He was a graduate of St. Joseph High School. He served in the US Army 919th FA Bn 94th Div as a Corporal in Northern France, Ardennes, Rhineland, Central Europe during WWII. He was co/owner of Atwood Body Shop in St. Joseph and retired after 35 years in the business. In addition, he owned Geddes China Nook gift shop in St. Joseph for several years in the early 60’s. Gene is survived by his son Scott (Kathy) Karsten of St. Joseph, daughter Karen (Tom) Halleckson of Stevensville; sister Joann Dodson of St. Joseph- 4 grand children Kelly Marie Karsten of Tucson, AZ, Kelly (Todd) Capen of Aurora, Il., Mike (Jamie) Halleckson of Arden Hills, MN, Matt (Cambri) Halleckson of Ft. Riley, KS. 4 great grand children; Brayden and Jackson Capen, Lucy June Halleckson, and Hunter Halleckson and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Betty June (Gilbert) Karsten to whom he was married for 48 years; a brother William Karsten and a sister Marie Krieger. For the past year, Gene was cared for by a wonderful group of caregivers at Cartel Inn in St. Joseph.