Clayton Ralph Carstensen, 93, Crosby, MN

Clayton Ralph Carstensen, 93, of Crosby, MN (formerly of Kasson) passed away on December 31, 2023, at Twin Ports Care Center in Superior, Wisconsin.
Clayton was born on December 14, 1930, in Dodge Center to Nels and Effie (Holt) Carstensen. Clayton served in the US Army from September 1950 to 1953 as a Sergeant in the Korean War. He married Darlene Hughes on January 29, 1955, at East St. Olaf Lutheran Church, Byron. Clayton worked as a mechanic at Syverson Patterson, Yellow Cab, and he retired from IBM in Building Maintenance in 1992. After retirement, Clayton and Darlene moved to Serpent Lake in Deerwood.
He was a member of the American Legion, The VFW, South Zumbro Lutheran Church, Mt. Sion Lutheran Church, and Cascade United Methodist Church. In his free time, Clayton enjoyed camping with his family, fishing, reading, and listening to classic country music. His whistling and his quick-witted sense of humor will be greatly missed. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather.
He is survived by his wife of nearly 69 years; children Connie (Bruce) Swanson, Danny (Paula) Carstensen, Bob (Kris) Carstensen, Ann (Brett) Tully, and Brian (Carrie) Carstensen; 11 grandchildren Wendy, Corey, Josh, Jake, Bobbi Jo, Anna, Naomi, Brittany, Lily, Nels and Nora; 12 great-grandchildren, and one sister-in-law Margery Pankratz.    
He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers Paul (Ione), Russell, Clinton (Darlene), Lyle (Ruth) and sister Edna (Don).
The funeral service is on Thursday, January 4, 2024, at South Zumbro Lutheran Church, rural Kasson, with Pastor Pete Wyttenbach officiating. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Burial is in the East St. Olaf Lutheran Cemetery.
Memorials are preferred to South Zumbro Lutheran Church or Kasson American Legion or Twin Ports Care Center in Superior, WI.
Online condolences are welcome at www.byronfuneralhome.com