John Karsten

John Karsten

May 11, 1983 - February 12, 2016

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Obituary

John Joseph Karsten, 32, a lifelong Platteville resident, died February 12, 2016 of heart failure, secondary to Duchenne muscular dystrophy. He was born on May 11, 1983 to Randy and Margaret Karsten. John graduated from Platteville High School in 2001 and earned an Associate of Arts degree from UW-Platteville. He accepted the struggles associated with muscular dystrophy with grace, courage and humor.

John enjoyed watching football and attended Super Bowl 35. A devoted Packer fan, he had an ongoing, good-natured rivalry with his dad, a Viking-backer.

A 4th Degree Knight of Columbus, John was a member of Msgr. DeRocher Council 1386, serving as inside guard. He attended meetings when he was able and appreciated all the kindness of his brother Knights; including a Packer party they held in his honor.

John is survived by his parents; sisters, Kathryn of Rhinelander, and Amy of Platteville; grandparents, Joseph and Mary Foegen of Winona, MN; aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by grandparents, John and Audrey Karsten of Winona, MN.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 130 W. Cedar St. Platteville, at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, February 18, 2016. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery, Platteville. Visitation will be 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 17, 2016 at the Melby Funeral Home & Crematory, Platteville, where there will be a parish rosary at 4:30 p.m. led by the Knights of Columbus. At 8:00 p.m. there will be a prayer service led by Pastor El Colyer.

The family would like to thank all John's nurses for their loving care that allowed him to live at home and kept him out of the hospital for nearly seven years. In lieu of flowers or plants, memorials may be made to Make-a-Wish Foundation, Habitat for Humanity, or St. Mary's Catholic Church. Online condolences can be made at www.melbyfh.com.

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John
DR
Denise Rostad
Other •
I am so sorry for your loss. I was John's 3rd teacher when he moved to O. E. Gray. I remember his wit and humor, the talent displayed when he performed a vocal solo at one of our music programs, and his patience with staff as we cooked up any number of schemes to involve him in school activities, including the time Mr. Zmina put his wheelchair on wooden skis so he could cross-country ski with us. He taught us all so much about abilities. God bless John and his family and friends.
PM
Pat and Jean Malone
Other •
Marge, Randy, and family, There is a special place in heaven for those who lived a life with a handicapping illness. There is also a special place for the family who cared for such a chosen one. God could not have hand-picked better caregivers for John; God doesn't make poor judgement mistakes. Your family has been an inspiration to the community and a living example of patience, understanding, and just plain love. Thank you for being such marvelous examples. Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to you upon John's move into a new life. May your hearts be comforted in the knowledge that John is blissfully happy now in the arms of his Savior. Sincerely, Pat and Jean Malone
DR
Dennis & Barb Rewey
Other •
Randy & Family so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts & prayers are with you. Sincerely, Denny & Barb Rewey
MK
Michael Karsten
Other •
I would like to thank Randy and Marge for being the best parents that John could have wished for. Your love and caring have always been a inspiration for me. Uncle Mike
PS
Phil Swift
Other •
John was a great inspiration to EVERYONE! He will be missed.
MS
Mary Schroth
Other •
Dear Randy & Margaret, I am so sorry for your lost. John was a lovely young man. It was my privilege and pleasure to have know him. Best wishes, Mary Schroth MD

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