John "Jack" Carstensen

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JOHN LYLE “JACK” CARSTENSEN was born on December 15, 1936 to Lee John and Frieda (Bauman) Carstensen on the family farm in Troy Township, Pipestone County, Minnesota. He attended grades 1-8 at District 62 school across the road from the farm and graduated from Pipestone High School in 1954. On October 7, 1956 he was united in marriage to Carol Draper. After their marriage he worked at several farm related jobs. He then spent three years at the City of Pipestone Street Department and then 35 years with the Minnesota Department of Transportation. He retired in January of 1999. After retirement, Jack and Carol enjoyed traveling throughout the United States. Jack was diagnosed with liver cancer in January, 2021 and passed away on February 24, 2021 at the Pipestone County Medical Center at the age of 84 years, two months, and nine days.

Jack was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Pipestone. Jack was very active in Democratic politics, holding several offices in County and District organizations. The highlight of his involvement was attending as a delegate to the 1996 National DFL Convention in Chicago. Jack was a 30-year member of the Minnesota National Guard and was a member of the American Legion Honor Guard for over 20 years. Jack also regularly volunteered at the food shelf. His many years in military service, highway work, politics, volunteer service, and traveling brought him many valued friends.

Jack is lovingly remembered by his wife, Carol, of Pipestone; his five children, LeAnn (Bryan) Bruley of Cumberland, Wisconsin, Mark (Debbie) Carstensen of Fairfax, Minnesota, Donna (Bruce) Wollan of Pipestone, Linda (Dave) Lund of Annandale, Minnesota, and Susan (Brad) Gorter of Pipestone; 10 grandchildren, Alexandra (Brandon) McDonough, Amanda (Jon) Sievert, Kyle Bruley, Lindsey (Jesse Peterson) Wollan, Andy (Rachel) Lund, Kelsey Lund, Austin (Darbi Kor) Richardson, Cassie (AJ) Bucher, Brandon Gorter, and Hayden Gorter; three great-grandchildren, Thomas and Millie McDonough, and Madeline Sievert. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Jim and David; and two sisters, Marjorie Carstensen and Dorothy Schildts.

Public visitation will be held and the details for this visitation are listed below. A private funeral service will be held for Jack.