Leroy Albert Karsten, 88, of Traverse City, died Tuesday, March 5, 2024.

He was born on July 12, 1935 at home in Moltke Twp, Presque Isle County, Michigan the son of Arnold and Eleanor (Schultz) Karsten.

After high school he joined the US Army in August 1954 and was stationed overseas. Leroy later transferred to the US Army Reserve until September 1956 where he moved back to Rogers City. Leroy met his future wife, Marvel Burt in high school band both playing tuba. She in Onaway and he in Rogers City. They married on June 4, 1960 in his home church in Moltke Township.

He then Sailed the Great Lakes for US Steel where he was a Deckhand and Cook. Leroy moved to Gaylord, MI in 1965 and worked for Champion Building Products US Plywood Division, which later became Georgia Pacific. In 1979 he transferred to the Oxford, Mississippi plant until his retirement in 1996.

He was a proud member of the Missouri Synod Church his entire life. He sang in choir and volunteered at the church. He mowed the lawn and did various other jobs.

In 2020 he moved to Traverse City to be closer to family

Leroy loved all sports and most especially Football. He enjoyed Classical Music.

Leroy is survived by his children, Randy (Marci) Karsten of Kingsley and Ellen Karsten of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; grandchildren, Sarah, Helen and Erica Karsten; sister, Betty (Milo) Schaedig, brother, Ivan Karsten, and sister-in-law Janet Karsten

He is preceded in death by his parents, wife, Marvel Jean (Burt) Karsten, who died September 22, 2009 and siblings, Richard Karsten and Rose Karsten.

Memorial Contributions may be made in memory to Hospice of Michigan, Traverse City for the great care they gave Leroy.

Services will be announced at a later date.

Burial will be with his wife, Marvel in the Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery, Moltke Twp. Rogers City.

Please visit www.lifestorytc.com to share your thoughts and more, Life Story Funeral Home, Traverse City.