ARCADIA, Fla. – Robert Charles Carsten “Ted”, age 80, died at his home in Arcadia, Florida on March 13, 2011. With his family by his side, he went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Born Dec. 19, 1930 in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, Ted grew up in St. Albans, New York. He would later receive a Bachelors Degree in Forestry from Syracuse University. After college he spent the next 50-plus years operating with his family, their Natural Food Business / Farm in Guilford.
Ted is predeceased by his beloved son, Paul Corsentino; his parents, Joseph and Esther Carsten; his brothers: Verdi (Margaret) Carsten and John (Anita) Carsten; his niece, Diana Eastman and his nephew, Neil Carsten.
Ted is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 43 years, Lois Carsten, his children: Beth Carsten; Christine (Jeff) Buchold; Allen Carsten; Laura Carsten; and Karyn Corsentino Byerly; Grandchildren: Breanna Grace Buchold, Jonathan Pinkney and Zaria Berry; Brother-in-laws: Edward (Patricia) Eastman; James (Johnnie Rae) Eastman; Sister-in law, Joan Carsten, as well as many nieces and nephews in NY, CO, MI, TX, NC and OH. Ted leaves behind many faithful friends from times spent in upstate New York, Gladewater, TX and Arcadia, FL.
Ted’s profession was a butcher and farmer. He loved his work, but he loved his music more. He was an avid pianist and organist and played the trumpet since he was a child. Ted served faithfully in his local church. He was a deacon, a Sunday School teacher, choir director and church organist. He taught his children through example the importance of being faithful to the Lord, both through church attendance and in his own relationship to Him. Ted Carsten loved his family, but he loved his Heavenly Father even more.
A Memorial Service will be held at Oak Hill Baptist Church, Arcadia, Fla. at 10 a.m. Friday.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to: Tidewell Hospice of Arcadia, 919 No. Arcadia Avenue, Arcadia Fl 34266 or Wounded Warrior Project, 7020 AC Skinner Pkwy, Suite 100 Jacksonville, FL 32256
Online condolences may be made at pongerkaysgrady.com.
Ponger-Kays-Grady Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Arcadia, is in charge of arrangements.