Laura Carstens

Funeral service will be 11:00 AM Friday September 3, 2021 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Frazee. Visitation will be from 9 to 11:00 AM at the church.

Laura Anna Irma Dinse Carstens was born on March 25, 1926 to Frank and Leonora Dinse.  She became a child of God in the water and word of baptism on April 18, 1926.  This was a faith she affirmed in rite of confirmation on May 12, 1940.

On October 6, 1946, she married Louis Carstens.  Together they were blessed with three children Marilyn (DuWayne) Sonnenberg; Darrel (Sandy) Carstens and LaDonna (Jewel) Ekern.  The blessings continued with 8 grandchildren Kristin (Brad) Geer, Stacie (Ryan) Stigman, Craig (Lindsay) Sonnenberg; Darin Carstens, Ryan Carstens, and Matthew (Mandy) Carstens, Hope (Matt) Chu, Dawn (Jim Bertleson) Ekern.  Great Grandchildren Gabriella Geer, Ashley (Jonathan) Schmitz, Jack (Brooke) Stigman, Kaitlin (Brady) Killian, Lauren and Elle Sonnenberg, Graham and Penny Carstens, Dylan and Lilah Chu.  Recently Blessed with 3 great-great grandchildren Sutton Stigman, Riggs Killian and Cora Schmitz.

Laura was a quilter, making beautiful quilts for all her family, for Lutheran world relief as well as the quilts of valor.  She loved being out on the lake fishing, also became known for her ability to not only catch the first, but also the biggest fish!

She spent a lot of time in the kitchen canning garden produce, the annual potato pancakes, or making spam sandwiches at night so grandkids could stay up later!  She also had to make sure each family member had their favorite homemade treat at Christmas.   She enjoyed life with her one-liners and spunk and loved to win at playing cards which showed in her “oh she has that grin again!”    She loved the various trips she went on with family and friends.

She loved flowers from the roses Louis would bring her when first met to the wildflowers Louis would pick her in their woods. She also had a knack for growing African Violets.

Two things topped her passions: her faith and sharing that faith with family, at the church by teaching Sunday school, release time, and Ladies aid.  Her second was any time she could spend with family, her love for her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren evident in the glow of being able to see and hold her great-great grandchildren.

Laura died peacefully on August 31, 2021 at Perham Health Sanford with her family gathered around.  We express our thanks to Perham Living and the staff there for the care she received while there.

Blessed be the memory.

-Obituary submitted by the family