Garnet Alene Karstens

Garnet Alene Karstens

Age 101, passed away on Saturday, October 21, 2023.

Garnet is survived by her daughter: Penny (Edward) Cafferata; daughter-in-law: Sheila (Kevin) Karstens; two granddaughters: Jessica (Jeffery) Merrill and Kathleen Spengel; and five great-grandchildren: Yvette and Fiona Spengel, Maverick Allen, and Hunter and Logan Merrill.

Preceded in death by her parents: Alonzo James Foster and Flora Agnes Foster (nee Longfellow); beloved husband of 77 years: Harold H Karstens; beloved son: Kevin Martin Karstens; brothers: Herman, Raymond, Everet, Floyd and Robert Foster, and sisters: Belva Piper, Letha Sterrett, and Chloe Ball.

Garnet was born in Rushville, Indiana on February 6, 1922. After graduating from Rushville High School, she married Harold Karstens on June 8, 1940. Garnet worked assembling airplane engines during WWII, while Harold was deployed in the Pacific. Following the war, they made their home in Chicago.

Garnet enjoyed being with family, crafting, painting and traveling whenever possible. Garnet and Harold were active members of the Mt. Greenwood Lutheran church for over 50 years.

Garnet’s family would like to express appreciation to the staff of Willow Falls Assisted Living, River Crossing of Joliet Skilled Nursing, and Lightways Hospice for their care and compassion.

Per Garnet’s wishes, cremation rites have been accorded.

A private committal service will be held at a later date and Garnet will be laid to rest with her husband at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, Illinois.