Carsten ‘Carsey’ Hovden

Carsten “Carsey” Hovden, age 95, of Decorah, IA, died on Tuesday, Dec. 25, 2018 at the Good Samaritan Society in West Union, IA.

Carsten “Carsey” Hovden was born on Jan. 31, 1923 the son of Carl and Alida (Knutson) Hovden in Decorah, IA. He attended school in Ridgeway through eighth grade before quitting school to help his dad work on the farm. Carsten married Lorraine Pahl on June 8, 1950 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Locust. Together they had two sons: Greg and Bruce. Carsten and Lorraine farmed together in Pleasant township near Sattre for many years. Lorraine passed away in 1996. After Lorraine’s death Carsten met a special friend in Shirley Courtney who he enjoyed traveling, fishing and just talking with. Carsten enjoyed fishing, going to stock car races, polka music, playing cards, dancing and spending time with his family.

Carsten is survived by his sons: Greg (Linda) Hovden, Waverly, IA and Bruce (Carol) Hovden, Charles City, IA. Grandchildren: Kerri (Matt) Kluender, Mason City, IA; Lori (J.P.) Hyde, Ames, IA; April (Kyle) Ament, Colfax, IA and Ross Hovden, Charles City, IA. Great grandchildren: Matt, Josh, Sofie, Izzy, Hanna, Owen and Sean. Great-great grandchildren: Cooper and Grayson along with many nieces and nephews.

Carsten was preceded in death by his wife Lorraine in 1996. A son in infancy. Parents: Carl and Alida (Knutson) Hovden. Siblings: Genevieve (Leonard) Dvorak, John Hovden and Joy (Esther) Hovden. Father and mother-in-law: Fred and Hannah Pahl. Brothers-in-law: Ray (Thelma) Pahl and Harold Pahl. Special friend: Shirley Courtney.