David E. Karsten, 83, of St. Joseph, MI passed away Thursday, April 7, 2016 at Hanson Hospice Center, Stevensville. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 AM Tuesday, April 12, 2016 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 211 Church St., St. Joseph with Father Tom officiating. Friends may visit with the family from 5:00 – 7:00 PM Monday, April 11, 2016 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph with a prayer service at 7:00 PM. Memorials may be made to Hanson Hospice Center or the Monsignor Sears Tuition Assistance Fund. Those wishing to sign David’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.
David was born July 15, 1932 in Berrien Springs, MI and raised by his parents Paul and Frances Karsten. A lifetime area resident, he graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1951 and shortly thereafter married his lifetime sweetheart Elizabeth (Betty) Callender at St. Joseph Catholic Church on September 12, 1953. Together they raised their four children. After beginning his career at Modern Furniture, David then moved to Gast Manufacturing, where he was employed for almost 40 years, retiring in 1994 as a supervisor.
A true lover of sports, David participated in both football and track (at which he excelled) during high school. He continued this through his life acting as coach on his children’s teams and cheering on his beloved Notre Dame. He and Betty were avid travelers and spent many enjoyable times on trips with the Rileys and the Danneffells.
David is survived by his wife Betty; children, David Karsten of St. Joseph, Keith (Kelly) Karsten of St. Joseph, and Mary (Michael) Grammel of Henderson, KY; grandchildren, Krystal and Paige Karsten, Megan (Jeff) Truesdell and Marc Grammel, and Alec and Ellery Karsten; and 5 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Lu Smith, Hazel Smith, Frances Ely, and Harry Karsten; as well as a son Christopher “Kit” Karsten.