Theresa C. Karsten

Theresa was born on April 8, 1932 in Frankford, WI as the only child of Leona and George Ellenbecker. She married her high school sweetheart, LaVerne Karsten in 1950. Their union of the brainy beauty and the handsome jock produced twelve children. They relocated to Machesney Park in 1966. Theresa was an amazing example of what a strong mother can accomplish, especially after her divorce in 1969. She alone raised her 12 children including the loving and heroic care of her terminally ill son, Rusty. She spent many years driving to Chicago for cancer treatments by day and working to support her family all night, even making car swaps in the parking lot of Warner Lambert so she wasn’t late for work. Theresa even devised a plan to smuggle drug treatments from Mexico to try and prolong Rusty’s life.

She was an expert with yarn and crochet needles making everything from blankets to doll clothes. Theresa was an amazing gardener and cook, especially her soups and desserts. You were very lucky to be invited for a fish dinner with raw fried potatoes. In addition to a full-time job at Warner Lambert she also was a Tiara representative, holding parties for family and friends, making sure we all had sets of gorgeous glass dishes for entertaining. Her children certainly kept her entertained with all their mischievous acts and never-ending demands allowing her to constantly hone her problem-solving skills.

Theresa retired to Jordan Lake in Wisconsin Dells, WI with the love of her life, Charles Stout. She enjoyed her gardens, birds, nature and sharing her lakeside paradise with family and friends. Many fond memories of weekends at the lake will live on in her children and grandchildren. She and Chuck also enjoyed traveling all across the United States including Alaska and into Mexico, visiting their many children and friends. They eventually built a second lake home in order to spend their winters on Houston County Lake in Grapeland, Texas. Creating another spot for family to gather.

Family was everything to Theresa. Her memories will live on in her 11 children, Richard (Loraine) Karsten, Lynn Conboy, Gary Karsten, Nancy (Rick) Sullivan, Trish Smith. Ronald Karsten, Edward (Scarlett) Karsten, Jean Fields, LeAnn Karsten, Dan (Laura) Karsten, Cheryl (Joe) Gerow and nearly four dozen grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her son, Russell Karsten, loving partner, Charles Stout, and grandchildren; Lori and Brianna Karsten.

Her funeral Mass will be held at St. Bridget’s Catholic Church at noon on Friday, September 29. Cemetery burial at Sunset Memorial Gardens followed by a Celebration of Life at Onyx Bar and Grill in Machesney, IL.

In lieu of flowers please donate to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.