Kenneth Dale Carlsten

Kenneth Dale Carlsten, 92, of Pender, NE, passed away at the Pender Community Hospital on Monday, February 10, 2020. Funeral Services will at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, February 15, 2020 at United Church in Pender, with Pastor Dan Springer officiating.  Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Friday, February 14, 2020 at Munderloh-Smith Funeral Home in Pender.  Burial with military honors will take place at Rosehill Cemetery in Pender, NE.  Memorials are suggested to the family for future designation.  Arrangements are under the direction of Munderloh-Smith Funeral Home in Pender.

Kenneth was born May 25, 1927 to Waldo Omar and Louise M. (Posvar) Carlsten of Lyons, NE at the farmhouse of his aunt and uncle Frank and Tony Samson of Rosalie, NE.

He was baptized in the First United Presbyterian Church in Pender; where he had been a member, deacon, clerk of session, and church treasurer.  Kenneth attended Pender Public School and graduated from high school with the class of 1945.  He enlisted into the Army Air Corps. on October 24, 1944 and was called to duty when he turned eighteen.  He served in the Army Air Corps for 29 months and served in Guam and Saipan until he was honorably discharged on March 15, 1947.

In August 1949, he was united in marriage to Madonna O. Sublet of Rosalie.  To this union they had three children; Connie Gayle, Rhonda Gaye, and Bradly Douglas.  His wife Madonna died in August of 1955.

On July 7, 1957, he was united in marriage to Ardyce Faye Simonsen.  Ken, Ardyce, and Rhonda made their home in Pender.  On July 21, 1960, daughter Natalie Jean was born, and April 27, 1965 Stacey Janelle was born.

The Carlstens made their home one block south of the Pender water tower. Ken owned and operated his Hillside Dairy milk route for many years.  He also worked ten and a half years at Automatic Equipment Manufacturing Company in Pender.

He served 48 years as a Volunteer Fireman for Pender, active in V.F.W., American Legion, and for many years he was the secretary and treasurer of Pender Airport Authority.  Ken enjoyed his family, flying airplanes, sports, and woodworking.

Ken is survived by his wife, Ardyce; two daughters, Rhonda (Ken) Cahill of Sioux Falls, SD, Natalie (Robert) Gier of Lincoln, NE; son-in-law, Dale Alexander of Wayne, NE; grandkids, Megan and Dominic Hand, Kevin and Julie Cahill, Katelin and MaKenna Gier, Jordan and Jaci Alexander; great grandchildren, Elena, Caleb, Isaac Hand, Jack and Quinn Cahill; sister, Marzee (Ian) Conway; sister-in-law, Stephanie (Larry) Gill.

Ken is preceded in death by his parents; infant daughter, Connie; infant son, Bradly; first wife, Madonna; and daughter Stacey Alexander.