Obituary of Robert J. Karsten

Robert 'Bob' J. Karsten, Sr. Robert (Bob) J. Karsten Sr., 83, of Rome, died peacefully on Thursday, September 5, 2013, where he was happiest - at home, surrounded by his loving family. He was born August 8, 1930 in Woodthrup, Minnesota, son of the late Ottto and Lena Wildman Karsten. On January 11, 1958 he married Ramona Money in Chateauroux, France. Bob proudly served his country, retiring from the USAF in 1968, after20 years and 21 days of service. He later was employed as a truck driver for Consolidated Freightways, retiring in 1992. Bob was a member of the Smith Post American Legion, and enjoyed watching NASCAR and WWE. Most of all, he loved gardening and spending time with his family and friends. Surviving besides his loving wife Ramona of 55 years; are a daughter Linda Karsten; two sons and a daughter-in-law, Robert Jr. and Tricia Karsten, all of Rome, and Raymond Karsten, San Diego, CA; grandchildren, Michelle, Robert III, Alissa and Jennifer; and a great- grandson, Christopher. Also surviving are two sisters and a brother- in-law, Elaine and Roger Friauf, Shirley Karsten, all of Minnesota; sisters-in-law and brother-in-law, Virginia and Richard Storms, Blossvale, Angie Money, Rome, Rosalie Karsten, Minnesota; and several special nieces, nephews and friends. He was predeceased by his parents; step-father, Art Oltman; a brother, John Karsten; sister-in- law, Shirley Jones; brothers-in-law, Willard (Bud) Money and Wayne Money; a niece, Diane Adams; a nephew, Douglas Friauf; and a great- nephew, Sgt. Eli Parker. Funeral services will be held on Monday at 11:00 a.m. at the Nicholas J. Bush Funeral Home, Inc., 218 W. Court St. Burial will be in Rome Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home on Sunday from 2-5 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care, 4277 Middle Settlement Road, New Hartford, NY 13413 or Muscular Dystrophy Assoc., P.O. Box 78960, Phoenix, AZ 85062-8960. To offer online condolences, please visit www.njbushfuneralhome.com.