In Memory of Irene V. Carstensen
Irene V. Carstensen, age 93, of Ida Grove, Iowa, died Sunday, October 27, 2013, at the Horn Memorial Hospital of Ida Grove, Iowa.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, October 31, 2013, at the Christensen – Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, Iowa with the Reverend Chad Lierman officiating. An Order of the Eastern Star Funeral Service will be conducted by Vera Varner, the Worthy Matron of the Arthur Chapter and members of the Signet Chapter #1 of Carroll, Iowa. Burial will follow in the Ida Grove Cemetery of Ida Grove, Iowa. Visitation with the family present will be held one hour prior to the service from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm on Thursday, October 31, 2013 at the Christensen ~ Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, Iowa. The Christensen ~ Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, Iowa is in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online to www.christensenvanhouten.com
One of twelve children in the family of Henry Witte and Magdalena (Wunschel) Witte, Irene was born on August 11, 1920. She attended school at Hayes #3 in Ida County and lived in that area until the age of 13, when her family moved to a farm south of Schaller. In 1937, Irene married Chris Carstensen and they farmed south of Schaller for 33 years. During that time they were blessed with three daughters, Clarice (1938), Janelle (1940), and Betty (1944).
When they retired from farming in 1970, they built a home on the east edge of Ida Grove, where they lived for 30 happy years. For 20 years, they spent the winter months at their home in Rio Verde, Arizona. After Chris died in 2001, Irene moved to a house in Ida Grove, and in 2010 she moved to Golden Horizons Assisted Living.
Irene was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Ida Grove. She was an active member of the Order of Eastern Star for over 50 years, and held the offices of Worthy Matron, Past Worthy Matron, and Grand Officer. Irene was also a District Instructor for seven years. Irene enjoyed gardening, both flowers and vegetables. After she and Chris left farming, she took up golf, which she played for 30 years, even scoring two holes-in-ones (Mesa, AZ, and Denison). Other interests included reading; sewing; crewel; and counted cross-stitch; being a 4-H leader; and participating in Friendly Neighbors, church circles, and country club activities. Chris and Irene enjoyed traveling, both the United States and overseas. They visited Germany several times, and also went to Morocco, Kenya, Tokyo, and Hong Kong, and on several ocean cruises.
Left to cherish her memory are her three daughters, Clarice (Rolf) Christophersen of Loveland, CO; Janelle (Dennis) Oliver of Woodland, CA; Betty Hall of Scottsburg, IN; brothers, Donald (Wilma); Emmett (Laura); George (Janice); sister, Esther Patterson; six grandchildren, Kelli Christophersen of Tucson, AZ; Curt (Mai) Christophersen, of Toyko, Japan; Shelley (Dwayne) Nowlin of Scottsburg, IN; Matt (Ginny) Hall of Derby, Ks; Christopher France of Woodland, CA; Kevin France of Huntington Beach, CA; six great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren; brother-in-law Leonard Carstensen, sisters-in-law Joyce Witte and Bernita Carstensen, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Irene was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, six brothers (Clarence; Roy; Edward; Lee; Burdette; and Robert), one sister, Hertha Teghtmeyer; and son-in-law John Hall.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Horn Memorial Hospice in Irene’s name.
SERVICES
2:00 P.M. Thursday,
October 31, 2013
Christensen - Van Houten
Funeral Home
Ida Grove, Iowa
OFFICIATING
Reverend Chad Lierman
VISITATION
One Hour Prior
To The Service
From 1:00 P.M. to 2:00 P.M.
Christensen - Van Houten
Funeral Home
Ida Grove, Iowa
MUSIC
"Amazing Grace"
INTERMENT
Ida Grove Cemetery
Ida Grove, Iowa
Condolences
When I think of Irene I will always be reminded of her ready smile, her kind ways, her love of a good time, her friendship and her elegance. it seems that everything she did, she did well...with poise and grace. May all of you find peace and comfort in the days ahead with fabulous memories to cherish. Sorry that I am not there to return the support you so recently gave to us.
Ann Holst”
You have our prayers and wishes for short sad times and many good memories.
From your school mates and neighbors across the section. Richard, Barbara and Jerry
”
You are in my thoughts and prayers as you go through this stressful time. No matter how much you were prepared for your mother's ordeal to be over, it is not easy to accept. May she be at peace and no longer suffering. ”
Sorry to hear of your Mom's passing. My wife LaVonne and I visited with Aunt Irene in her apartment back on July 31. We had a good visit -- she shared about you and each of your families, she showed us her handiwork she had created over the years, and we discussed some Witte family history, too. I always thought your Mom was such a classy lady ! I regret being unable to attend the funeral on Thursday as I have a meeting that day in Ames that I am unable to escape. May you experience God's grace, strength, and peace as you go through this time of loss. Sincerely,
Scott & LaVonne Witte”
Sincerely,
John and Kathy Kallin
”
I loved to play cards with your mom, golf(though she was better then I but always a lot of fun) listen to her story's and we both liked our cocktails also. She will be missed by all, but I have so many fond memories of her and you will hear that comment over and over. My thoughts and prayers are with all of her family. Judy Pluth
”
You have my deepest sympathy with the loss of your mother. I know the ordeal you have been going through has been very stressful on you all. My thoughts and prayers are with you. May she rest in peace.
Marilyn”
Hugs and love to you and all. There is a special place in heaven for your mom and I'll have my mom show her around. Miss you. Mary”
Wanted you to know I'm thinking about you. Ken and Darts Harskamp”