Donna Rose Van Overbeke Carstensen

Donna Rose (Van Overbeke) Carstensen was born on September 23, 1959. She was born, raised and spent her entire life in Marshall. She was the fourth of six children born to Donnie and Tudy Van Overbeke. She was baptized, confirmed and married at First English Lutheran Church. She married the love of her life, Alan Carstensen, on May 3, 1980. To this union were born three children: sons Travis and Jordan and a daughter that died in infancy. Donna worked for Sward-Kemp Pharmacy (later became A to Z, then Thrifty White Pharmacy), then at Walmart, and for the last 15 years, she worked for Hy-Vee as the Health and Beauty Care Department Manager. Donna enjoyed her job at Hy-Vee, she also enjoyed gardening, reading, motorcycling, travels to Mexico, camping, entertaining her family for special occasions, her grandchildren and her special pets. She was a kind, humble, gentle spirit. Donna was beautiful inside and out, a bright light who brought joy to many. Donna entered the kingdom of heaven on Thursday, May 14, 2015, at the Prairie Home Hospice House in Marshall, after a brief and bravely fought battle with cancer. She is survived by her champion and devoted husband, Alan, son Travis and special friend Juanita, son Jordan and partner Dee, grandchildren Kaysen and Kobi, sister Darlene (and Terry) Van Overbeke, brother David (and Lori) Van Overbeke, Doug (and Jamie) Van Overbeke, Dan (and Robin) Van Overbeke, nephews and spouses, great nieces and nephews, special in-laws, many aunts, uncles, cousins, adored cats Bell and Winston. She will be greeted in heaven by her parents, sister Denise, grandparents, uncles and an infant daughter. Donna was our joy and will be forever missed.