Carsten E. Madsen

Out of an abundance of caution in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Carsten's services will be private. To view the live-stream of Carsten's service on Thursday, October 15, 2020, at 2:00 PM, please click the following link: View Funeral Webcast

CARSTEN ERWIN MADSEN was born on February 18, 1922, to Anton and Annette (Nielsen) Madsen on the farm in Lake Stay Township near Arco, Minnesota. He was confirmed at Bethany Lutheran Church in Arco on May 16, 1937. Carsten attended Arco School through the 10th grade at which point he returned to work full-time on the farm. He was united in marriage to Luella Andersen, on October 14, 1944, at Bethany Lutheran Church in Arco. Carsten was inducted into the United States Navy in September of 1944, earning the rank of E-4 Coxswain Petty Officer 3rd Class during World War II. Carsten served on the LSM367 in the South Pacific Theater, landing on the beach in Okinawa in April 1945. Throughout his time in training and at sea, he was stationed at various bases including Norfolk, Virginia; Houston, Texas; and finally, Hawthorne, California. After the war they returned to farm in Lake Stay Township. There they began raising their family. Soon they purchased the farm next door with space to raise their three young boys. Luella and Carsten showed true perseverance as a severe tornado left their farm in pieces. They rebuilt it together for their family which was soon blessed by the birth of a daughter. Carsten and Luella celebrated 75 wonderful years of marriage in 2019. On Wednesday, January 22, 2020, Luella preceded Carsten in death. Carsten died peacefully at their home in Lake Stay Township at the age of 98 years, seven months, and 20 days.

As a lifetime member of Bethany Lutheran Church in Arco, Carsten served on the Church Board. Also, being a lifetime member of the community in Lake Stay Township, he became involved in many local organizations including his 12-year service on the Lyon-Lincoln Electric Coop board; seven years as a member including serving as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the East River Electric Power Co-op; 13 years with the Tyler Lumber Co-op; 14 years on the Lincoln County Fair Board; and 20 years as a 4-H Leader. He was a member of the Arco VFW from 1946 until it was disbanded and he joined Post #2980, Ivanhoe, MN. He was a farmer through and through. Many remember Carsten and Luella due to their certified seed business. Beyond farming he enjoyed golfing, fishing, gardening, and traveling. In his spare time, he enjoyed developing his woodworking skills including turning bowls on the lathe. Carsten was a kind man who was adored by his family, friends, and acquaintances alike.

He is lovingly remembered by his children, Glenn (Sara) of Redwood Falls, Minnesota, Murray (Kathleen) of Coon Rapids, Minnesota, Ron (Lynette) of Arco, Minnesota, and Kay (Mike) Ponstein of Marshall, Minnesota; 15 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren; siblings, Alice Faulds of Ivanhoe, Minnesota, Alta (LeRoy) Sprink of Aurora, Minnesota, and Ray (LouAnn Schneider) Madsen of Manitowoc, Wisconsin; and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives. He was preceded in death by his wife, Luella; parents; brothers, Thorvald and Norman and sister Dagmar Blegen; and granddaughter, Jennifer Gladis.