Ruth Carstens

Age 85, passed away on Wednesday, February 9, 2005, at St. Paul Elder Services in Kaukauna. Ruth was born in Brillion on August 11, 1919, daughter of the late William and Olga (Draeger) Gerlach and became a child of God through Holy Baptism on August 31st of that year. She was confirmed in her faith on June 4, 1933, at Trinity Ev. Lutheran Church in Brillion. As a young woman she worked as a secretary at the Kiel High School, and after moving to Brillion was employed at Brillion Iron Works. On October 9, 1943, she married Richard H. Carstens; he preceded her in death on August 28, 1997. Ruth was a longtime and faithful member of Trinity Ev. Lutheran Church in Kaukauna where she was a member of the Ladies Aid, the Altar Guild, and volunteered in the classrooms at Trinity Lutheran School. She also served as the church organist for many years. Ruth and her husband Richard owned and operated Carstens Elevator, Inc. in Kaukauna, where Ruth worked as a bookkeeper. Ruth enjoyed playing the piano, golfing, bowling, and everyone will remember her as an immaculate housekeeper.

Ruth is survived by four children: Jeanne (William) Hartling of Appleton; William (Kathryn) Carstens of Kaukauna; Dick (Jean) Carstens of Kaukauna; and Kevin (Jerrolyn Orr) Carstens of Kaukauna; nine grandchildren: Timothy Hartling, Thomas (Krista) Hartling, Dane Carstens, Drew Carstens, Brent Carstens, Kaira Carstens, Christopher Carstens, Nicole Carstens, and Audrah Carstens; a great-grandson: Travis Brown; a sister: Geraldine Schreiber of Grandview, Missouri; a brother: Howard (Gloria) Gerlach of Clearwater, Florida; and a sister-in-law: Margaret Schriefer of New Ulm, Minnesota. Ruth is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents William and Olga Gerlach, by Richard’s parents Henry and Marie Carstens, her husband Richard in 1997, a sister Lorena (Joseph) Ruehlman, a brother Robert (Vergie) Gerlach, and brothers-in-law: “Scrip” Schreiber, Karl Carstens, Edward (Elda) Carstens, and William Schriefer.

The Christian Funeral for Ruth will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, February 14, 2005, at TRINITY EV. LUTHERAN CHURCH, 804 Grignon Street in Kaukauna with Rev. Mark Luetzow officiating. Entombment will follow at Highland Memorial Park. Friends may call at the funeral home on Sunday from 5- 7 pm and again at the church on Monday after 10 AM.

The family would like to extend their sincere thanks to the entire staff at St. Paul Elder Services for the comfortable home they made for mom and for the wonderful care she received.

FARGO FUNERAL HOME
400 W. Wisconsin Avenue
Kaukauna, WI 54130
920-766-6200