In Memory of Marlys Jan Karsten

Visitation 4 PM to 8 PM Monday, October 25, 2010 United Methodist Church Manning, Iowa
Funeral Service 10:30 AM Tuesday, October 26, 2010 United Methodist Church Manning, Iowa
Officiating Reverend Alberta Ervin
Music Janet Myer, Organist Georgia Lohrmann, Vocalist
Casket Bearers: John Lorenzen, Benjamin Lorenzen, Nick Rasmussen, Tyler Summers, David Marks, Blake Davis, Casey Karsten
Honorary Casket Bearers: Pam Hallberg, Jocelyn O’Hara, Amy Ferneding, Andrea Cheney, Kasie Sanford, Kami Rasmussen, Kylie Summers, Alexis Karsten
Interment Manning Cemetery Manning, Iowa

Marlys Jan, daughter of Raymond U. and Rose (Kruger) Rutherford, was born July 29, 1935, at Manilla, Iowa. She grew up in Manilla and graduated from Manilla High School with the class of 1953. She then attended comptometer school in Sioux City.

On April 1, 1954, Marlys was united in marriage with Wilbur “Casey” Karsten in Council Bluffs. Seven children were born to this union. With the exception of a short time in Audubon, the family made their home in Manning. Marlys was a stay-at-home mom and also worked as a clerk with numerous businesses including: SaveMor, Skelgas, Thriftys, Grimms, and Caseys.

Throughout the years, Marlys was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary, American Legion Auxiliary, Manning Hospital Auxiliary, and volunteered at the HausBarn. She enjoyed dancing, playing cards, crocheting and bowling. Marlys cherished spending time with her family and friends.

In October of 2010, Marlys suffered a major stroke following open-heart surgery. On Saturday, October 23, 2010, she died at Manning Regional Healthcare Center in Manning, Iowa. She was 75 years of age.

Marlys is survived by seven children: Jeff Karsten and wife Rita of Chandler, Arizona; Jim Karsten and wife JoAnn of Manning; Jan Lorenzen and husband Dan of Manning; Joni Summers and husband Doug of Gilbert, Arizona; Julie Rasmussen and husband Mike of Manilla; Joe Karsten and wife Becky of Manning; Jay Karsten and wife Allison of Mesa, Arizona; 15 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; four brothers: Raymond Rutherford and wife Kay of Manilla; Lanny Rutherford and wife Maureen of Estherville; Wayne Rutherford and wife Donna of Roca, Nebraska; Tom Rutherford and wife Carolyn of Manilla; two sisters: Diane Sonderman of Earling and Gloria Lohrmann and husband Ron of Denison; and by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Casey on December 18, 1978; Wilbur’s parents Albert and Hilda (Schroeder) Karsten; two brothers-in-law Robert Sonderman and Gerald Schroeder and a sister-in-law Joyce Schroeder.