Jeanette Karsten

On December 10, 2023, Jeanette Kay Karsten wished a fond farewell to the world and all its inhabitants especially to those dear souls who walked with her along the winding trail of life.

She was born July 17, 1936, the oldest child of Hewitt and Elizabeth (Birky) Gall.

Jeanette was preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Lazanne.

She is survived by her husband, Ivan, her brother Richard and sister Kathryn, and her five children, Deanna (Rick) Milligan of Lansing, Jane (John) Zielaskowski of Rogers City, Glenn Karsten of Bay City, Owen (Joan) Karsten of Rogers City, and Aaron (Melissa Mooney) Karsten of King George, VA; grandchildren and great grandchildren, Patrick and Paul Milligan, Talon Wooster, Danielle Zielaskowski, Rebecca (Matt) Adams, Avery and Odin, Kaycee (Justin Lopez) Karsten, Khloe and Khyra, Kelly (Brent) McMullen and Ashton, Sydney (Geovanny Hernandez) Stambler and Rosalie, Nora and Sally Karsten; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Jeanette graduated from the Presque Isle County Normal teacher’s training school in 1956. She taught for two years at the Beech Grove School in Moltke Township. It was there she met and married her husband Ivan on December 28, 1957 and they continued their dance together for 67 more years. After years of providing day care to many local children, at age 50, Jeanette returned to the field of education by enrolling in Alpena Community College, then transferring to Michigan State University, graduating with honors in 1989. She taught for Onaway Community Education, and was awarded the regional 1992 Adult Educator of the Year by the Michigan Council on Adult Learning. From 1998 through 2005, she taught grades K-4 at St. Michael Lutheran School in Belknap. She dearly loved her young students and rejoiced in their accomplishments. When she wasn’t teaching, Jeanette enjoyed reading, writing, needlework and creating beautiful quilts for her family and those in need through several local church quilting groups. Jeanette loved music and learning. She sought to provide her children with the best educational opportunities available and made sure we each had a good instrument in our hands to make music with. She left us happy to have been able to experience the many wonders and comforts of life in modern America. With the Psalmist David she declares, “Oh give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good, for his mercy endures forever.”

A private graveside service will take place.

Those wishing to make a contribution in her memory are urged to support Hospice of Michigan, read a child a book, or plant a tree.