Barbara Elaine Karstens, age 94, of Fort Calhoun, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 20, 2022. Barbara was born in Sibley, Iowa. Preceded in death by loving husband of 71 years, Leonard Karstens; parents, Franklin and Manilla Hanson; and sister, Margaret Polson. Those left to cherish Barbara's memory include son, Keith Karstens and his wife Reva (Burnett); daughter, Jeanne Karstens and her husband David Stevens; four grandchildren, Heather Karstens, Eric, Karina, and Tessa Stevens; and brother, Franklin Hanson and his wife Glenda (Nielsen).
Barbara loved to dance. Six Fat Dutchmen were her favorite. She also loved to crochet, knit, cook, make quilts, and travel. She was always busy with life. She provided so much warmth and joy with her wonderful smile and twinkling eyes and her cards to mark every birthday and anniversary. She was a giver -- of love and hugs and passing on her talents to the next generations. She was so proud of her grandchildren and family whom she fiercely loved, and she was so compassionate towards the world at large. She shared that compassion through her many years of teaching with the Omaha Public Schools and through her social services work in Omaha and Blair. We will miss her deeply.
Memorial Visitation, Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022, from 10 to 11 a.m., at Northwest Hills United Church of Christ (9334 Fort Street, Omaha, NE 68134), followed by a Celebration of Life at 11 a.m. Barbara will be laid to rest in Graceland Cemetery (Avoca, IA). Memorials suggested to Northwest Hills United Church of Christ.
