Darwin Keith Karsten

Darwin Keith Karsten passed away on December 3, 2025, at Mayo Clinic Health System in Mankato, Mn surrounded by his family.

Born on May 29, 1954 in Owatonna, MN he was the son of Lowell and Melda (Hanson) Karsten. He grew up on a hobby farm in rural Waseca and graduated from Waseca High School. Afterward, he attended Riverland College, where he earned his boiler’s license. He went on to work in maintenance at several companies, also serving as a boiler operator, and before his retirement he worked for Guardian Energy in Janesville, MN.

As the oldest of ten children, he often took on the role of caretaker—watching over everyone and becoming the person the family turned to for guidance and advice. Darwin cherished many things in life, especially his family. He loved spending time with his nieces and nephews and proudly attended their sporting events; believing they were always the stars of the team. A true sports enthusiast, he enjoyed watching any game that happened to be on TV. He also had a passion for gardening and was known for his green thumb, able to grow just about anything. He always planted more than enough so he could share his harvest with everyone. He was a dog lover and happily took all of his siblings’ pets under his wing, spoiling them with treats and car rides. Darwin loved a lively game of Pinochle and never passed up the thrill of purchasing a Powerball ticket. His greatest joy in life was heading outdoors to hunt pheasants or deer and to spend long, peaceful days fishing; activities he loved sharing with his siblings, nieces, and nephews. MEA weekend was always reserved for this tradition, a cherished annual escape into nature. He was a proud member of Pheasants Forever, Ducks Unlimited, and Minnesota Waterfowl, never missing their yearly banquets. In true Darwin fashion, he made it a family affair, eagerly buying tickets so everyone could join in the fun.

Darwin leaves behind a lifetime of memories we will cherish for years to come. Independent to his core, he had a sharp mind for numbers, an impressive memory, and an unwavering loyalty to the people he cared about.

He will be lovingly remembered by his siblings, Dwight Karsten, Eileen Blair, Cheri (Curtis) Waugh, Karen (Mark) Norby, Rita (Robert) Benjamin, Doyle (Angie Pattee) Karsten, Sharon (Preston) Nelson, and Dale (Carrie Groth) Karsten; brother-in-law, Mark Goertz; along with many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Brenda Goertz; brother-in-law, Henry Blair; and nephew, Joshua Benjamin.

A Celebration of Darwin’s life will be held on January 3, 2026, at the Morristown Community Center from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM, with a prayer service beginning at 11:00 AM and a meal to follow. Interment will be at the United Methodist Church Cemetery in Blooming Grove.