Heaven gained an amazing man when Kurtis (Kurt) Lee Karstens took his final breath at New Ulm Medical Center, Monday, March 10, 2025, at the age of 56. He fought a long, courageous battle with esophageal cancer.

Funeral service will be held at 11 am on Monday, March 17, 2025 at St. John's Lutheran Church in New Ulm with Pastor Rob Guenther officiating.

Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Sunday, March 16, 2025 at the Minnesota Valley Funeral Homes – North Chapel in New Ulm. Visitation will continue from 10-11 a.m. Monday, March 17, 2025, at St. John's Lutheran Church.

Kurt was known for his famous mustache that he had since his teenage years. If asked when he would shave it off, he said "never, it's embroidered." In the many resent hospital stays he was told his mustache was, "money." Even the ugliest of chemo treatments could not take that mustache away from him! He graduated from New Ulm High School in 1986. Being hard working and dedicated, Kurt was proud to have worked 26 years at Katolight/MTU in Mankato, and for the past 7 years for Nuvera in New Ulm. For several years Kurt also raised beef cattle on his farm which earned him the name Kow Farmer.

Kurt was a true creature of habit which made him rather predictable. On the farm, there was a wide-open space that led to the barn where his true passion was – his beef cattle. Even though there were many optional routes to the barn, he and his dogs walked the exact same path every day, leaving a narrow dirt path as evidence. His habitual ways carried over into his relationships. When you were lucky enough to be called his friend, you were a friend for life. Like the Bald Eagle who mates for life, Kurt found his forever companion with Carla Squier Karstens.

Kurt had an infectious personality and was the life of the party. When in a crowd, if you wondered where he was, you just had to follow the roaring laughter. He had a special bond with his many nieces and nephews who looked up to him. When Kurt and Carla married on May 9, 1998, he was blessed with two stepchildren, Lexi and Taylor, and always referred to them as his own children. Later he experienced becoming a biological father to Kelli who he cherished and called Lil' Babes to the end. One of his greatest achievements was taking on the roll as Grandpa Kow. He absolutely adored every priceless moment he could spend with his grandchildren. When they saw each other you would often hear silly things like, "Nachos but mine" or "I love you two pizzas".

Kurt's love for his family and friends was never in question. He would always verbally convey his feelings even though his actions left no doubt. He also had an undeniable love for Jesus and he found great satisfaction in sharing his faith with others. Kurt's passing has left a huge hole in the hearts of many but his greatest legacy will be passed through countless friends and family including his grandchildren. A long lasting legacy built by character, faith, and love.

Kurt is survived by his wife, Carla Squier Karstens. His children Alexis (Tony) Alvarez and their six children, Isaac(13), Lukas(12), Julian(12), Olivia(9), Adrian(7), and Vanessa(3). Son Taylor Davis, and daughter Kelli and her fiancé Brady Stalter. Kurt's wish was to see his Lil' Babes be married, so an "unofficial" ceremony was performed in his hospital room only hours before his passing. He is also survived by his mother-in-law LaVonne Squier, brothers Kevin (Gail) Karstens, Henry (Denise) Karstens, and sister Sherry (Rick) Fluegge. Sisters-in-law Char Sellner (John Retzlaff), Amy (Ryan) Tanley, brothers-in-law Steve Neidecker, Randy (Kathy) Squier and many other relatives.

Kurt was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Sharon Karstens, father-in-law Gary Squier, and sister-in-law Debi Neidecker.

To leave an online condolence for his family, or to sign the guestbook, go to: mvfh.org