Joan Karsten Obituary

Joan Elizabeth Karsten

Born: July 7, 1933

Died: February 14, 2018

Joan Elizabeth (nee Hesse) Karsten. We are honored to share the life of our incredible mother, Joan. It's a life that should be celebrated and remembered as one filled with love, laughter and commitment.

Joan Elizabeth Hesse was born to Alphonse and Ruth Hesse in Bronxville, NY, on July 7th, 1933. She met her husband, Edward August Karsten, and wed on September 28, 1958.

Joan and Ed had strong family values, which they passed on to four children, Edward Jr. Karsten, Deborah Miller and Laura Jane Savarie, who reside in the Chicagoland area, and Suzanne, who recently moved to Nashville, TN. Joan has ten amazing grandchildren. Her legacy has been passed on to AJ Bruce, Tori Karsten, Christine Karsten, Molly Miller, Keeley Miller, Riley Miller, Chip Savarie, Ryan Savarie, Clayton Savarie and Logan Savarie.

Joan was a woman of faith and was active in the Catholic church. She served on the Chicago Women's Board for the Chicago Rehabilitation Institute. She was surrounded by great friends, who valued strength, character, purpose and a good glass of wine! Joan was very creative and her Christmas ornaments were cherished by all. She was athletic, competitive and played a great game of tennis.

Joan joined our dad on Valentine's Day at the pearly gates. We are confident he picked her up in his red convertible and they went off to play a fabulous game of tennis and started catching up on lost time. This special woman, mother, wife and friend will be greatly missed.