Norman Leon Carstensen

Norman Leon Carstensen was born on November 28, 1927, in Nelson Township, near St. James, to Thomas and Rosa (Rabe) Carstensen. He attended school in St. James and Madelia. At age 16, Norman enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served in the Philippine Islands during World War II. After his discharge, he returned to Madelia where he worked as a carpenter and later for the grain elevator. On September 22, 1949, he was united in marriage to Kathleen McCabe in Madelia. Norman transferred to the grain elevator in Lewisville, and in 1962, to Marshall. He later worked for Taylor Lumber and Slagel and Wambeke Construction. He enjoyed driving tractors, woodworking, camping and watching tv. Norman loved golfing. He was very competitive and brought home many trophies. He died on Sunday, October, 3, 2010, at the Avera Marshall Regional Medical Center as the result of complications from diabetes. Norman is survived by his wife, Kathleen, of Marshall, children Kristine (and Bill) Melby of Porter, Rick (and Mary) of Marshall, Lois (and Joseph) McGeary of Danvers, Alan (and Donna) of Marshall, Neal (and Bernadette) of Granite Falls, ten grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, sister Violet Anderson of Madelia, brother Harold Carstensen of San Antonio, TX, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents and seven siblings.