Gary Frank Karstens

Gary Frank Karstens, 85, Mankato, drifted away to the big lake above on Monday October 23rd, 2023.  Born on June 16th, 1938 to Harold and Irene (Feldbrugge) Karstens in Mankato, MN.  A private service for those close to him is planned. Interment with military honors will be in Woodland Hills Memorial Park in Mankato at a later date. www.woodlandhillsfh.com

After graduation, Gary married, joined the Navy, and started his family.  He settled in Madison Lake.  After retiring from the railroad, he moved back to Mankato and kept busy delivering papers and custodial work for The Free Press, collecting scrap metal and cans, visiting and helping his neighbors with yard work and errands, and taking care of his parents. 

Until his knees gave out, Gary enjoyed the outdoors and adventures, including riding his Goldwing, waterskiing, and bowling.  He loved to entertain others with his love for music, playing the trumpet, organ, and harmonica.  Gary always had an Ole and Lena joke to share. You would often find him at a local café or coffee hangout telling stories and playing dice. However, his greatest passion was hunting and fishing with his family, and passing that trait onto his children and grandchildren.  In his sunset years, Gary was a huge fan of his grandson’s softball games, the Minnesota Twins, and trips to the casino with his best buddy Todd.  He also loved and cared for his grand dogs, the neighborhood feral cats, and his special cats, Luke, Flower, and Diva.   

Gary is survived by his sons Gary D, Brad (Carolyn), Mark (Shirley), daughter Trish (Dave) Clyne, brother Bob (Kitty), brother in-law Louis Mueller, many nieces and nephews, grandchildren Amber, Krista, Kendra, Kale, Jessica, Nicholas, Jake, Dan, Chad, and several great grandchildren, including his newest, Aspen.  He is preceded in death by his parents and sister Dianne.

In lieu of memorials or flowers, please donate to an animal rescue, or youth sports program of choice.    The family would like to thank his favorite nurse “Sue” at Laurels Edge for being there in the end, and Woodland Hills Funeral Home for assisting with final arrangements.