Mary Jane Karsten

Mary Jane Karsten, 76, of Sturgeon Bay passed away suddenly at St. Vincent Hospital in Green Bay on April 29, 2020.  She was born November 27, 1943 in Elgin, IL to Joseph and Virginia (Reber) Westwood.  On June 16, 1962 she married Bruce Alan Karsten in Elgin, IL.

Mary and Bruce raised their family in Elgin and moved to Door County in 1992.  She was a longtime volunteer with the Loaves and Fishes Ministry in Sturgeon Bay and was currently serving as director.  Mary enjoyed flower gardening and was a member of the Salona Women’s Club.   Her faith was very important to her and she spent a lot of time reading her Bible.

Survivors include her husband; four sons, Bruce Karsten Jr., Barrington, IL; Robert (Maureen) Karsten, Arlington Hts., IL; Bill (Tara) Karsten, St. Charles, IL; Charlie (Jennifer) Karsten, Brussels;  eleven grandchildren, Josh, Tim, Elisa, Will, Bridget, Gillian, Ryan, Jack, Isaac, James and Portia; sister, Lois Molliter; and step-sister, Diane Menke.  She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, Joseph (Bev) Westwood, and brother-in-law, Jim Molliter.

Private family services will be conducted at Forbes Funeral Home and burial will take place at Shiloh Moravian Cemetery.  Memorials may be directed to Mary’s favorite charities:  Compassion International (compassion.com/maryjanekarsten) or Samaritan’s Purse (https://sampur.se/2Wfvup9).   On-Line condolences, memories, tributes and messages to the family may be offered at www.forbesfuneralhome.com