Walter C. Karstensen Obituary
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the death of Walter C. Karstensen (Cedar Lake, Indiana), who passed away on February 3, 2026, at the age of 102, leaving to mourn family and friends. You can send your sympathy in the guestbook provided and share it with the family. You may also light a candle in honor of Walter C. Karstensen or send a beautiful flower arrangement to the funeral service.
He was predeceased by: his parents, Chris Karstensen and Lula Karstensen (Unruh); his former wife Marcella Karstensen; his parents-in-law, Elmer and Minnie Piepho; and his siblings, Irvin Karstensen, Arno Karstensen, Vernon Karstensen, Raymond Karstensen, Marie Marsh, Harold Karstensen and Wayne Karstensen.
He is survived by: his wife Bernetta Kretz; his sons, Dennis Karstensen (Alta) and Dean Karstensen (Denise); his grandchildren, Cynthia Messieha (Peter), Sharon Ratliff (Graham), Janine Aurich (Nickolas), Kara Woolcott (Benjamin), Dana Niles (Danny) and Randy Karstensen (Elizabeth); and his great grandchildren, Noah Messieha, Sophia Messieha, Blake Aurich, Parker Aurich, Chase Aurich, Mason Aurich, Austin Aurich, Wilhelmina Woolcott, Vivian Woolcott, Evelyn Woolcott, Brayden Niles, Weston Niles, Isabella Karstensen, Madelyn Karstensen and Ryan Karstensen. He is also survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
In December 2022, after recovering from COVID and with his eyesight failing, Walter and Bernetta moved to an assisted-living apartment at Crown Point Christian Village in Crown Point, IN to accommodate their increasing healthcare needs.
