Harold L. Carstens

Harold L. Carstens, age 92, of Alta, Iowa died Sunday, January 29, 2023 at Wel Life in Alta. Funeral services will take place Monday, February 13, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Alta. Burial will follow in the Woodlawn Cemetery in Alta. Visitation will be held Sunday, February 12, 2023 from 2-5:00 p.m. at the Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake. The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake is in charge of arrangements. Harold L. Carstens was born on January 4th, 1931 on a farm near Williams, Iowa. He was the sixth of eight children born to William and Gertrude Carstens. Harold graduated from Alden High School in May of 1948. On August 19th, 1951 he married Shirley Thompson in Iowa Falls. In August of 1952, he was drafted into the Army and took his training at Fort Riley, Kansas. He arrived in Korea in February 1953, and served with the 2nd Division that fought battles at Pork Chop Hill and Old Baldy. His tour ended in July of 1954 with an honorable discharge. After his return, he attended Iowa State University and graduated in December of 1956 with a B.S. Degree in Agriculture. He completed his Masters degree in Education from Iowa State in the summer of 1965. Harold moved to Alta in 1959 and taught Vocational Agriculture for 34 years. While in Alta, he served on many Boards – Fair, Park, Country Club, Trinity Church, and Library. He was on the first Country Club Board and helped select all of the trees and bushes first planted on the course. While on the Park Board, he was involved in building the swimming pool, shelter house, and Elementary playground. He was also involved in the relocation of the Library from main street to the Middle School while on the Library Board. He helped build the wooden shelf units used to hold the books and magazines. During retirement he enjoyed playing golf, visiting his children and grandchildren, going to shows, and driving his convertible. Harold was preceded in death by his parents and wife Shirley. He is survived by his children Dorene (Clint) Van Fossen of Bettendorf, Iowa; Ken (Vickie) Carstens of Woodbury, Minnesota; Brian (Susan) Carstens of Lino Lakes, Minnesota; six grandchildren: Aaron (Kristin) Van Fossen Clearwater, Florida; Jeff Carstens of Hugo, Minnesota; Nathan Carstens of Minneapolis, Minnesota; Caleb (Lydia) Van Fossen of Dubuque, Iowa; Bethany (Brennen) Newham of Roseville, Minnesota; Amy Van Fossen of Bettendorf, Iowa; and one great grandchild: Casper Van Fossen of Clearwater, Florida.

Harold L. Carstens

January 4, 1931 - January 29, 2023