Marvin Dean Carstens

Marvin grew up in Reardan and started a career as a fourth generation farmer on the original family homestead. He entered the military and served with the Army in the Korean War from 1953-1954. He was awarded two bronze stars for his service.

Marvin met Colleen Collins at the Springhill Grange Dance and they were married March 6, 1955. They had four children and farmed together for 35 years. As a family they enjoyed many camping trips to Priest Lake and Pend O’reille. Marvin was interested in conservation farming and was one of the first in the area to employ no-till farming. Those who worked with him noticed he had an astute ability to foresee machinery breakdowns before they’d even happened. He had a strong work ethic and progressive outlook towards farming.

Around the age of 58 Marvin gradually retired to enjoy many of his favorite hobbies with Colleen. He loved fishing, riding motorcycles and snowmobiles, and traveling. They enjoyed adventures to South America, Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific. They spent 25 years motor homing and traveled several times to Alaska to fish and explore, spent winters in Arizona, and traveled extensively throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Marvin also participated in Honor Flight to Washington DC in 2015.

Marvin will be remembered for his dry, quick wit and devotion to his family. He raised a fine family and worked the land well. He will be missed.

He is preceded in death by his parents, brother Delbert Carstens, sister Marie Carstens Dove, and grandson Peter Carstens. Marvin is survived by his wife of 67 years Colleen Carstens, his children Janis Ledum (Rod Huffman), Judy Logan (Jerry), Randy Carstens (Mary), Kurt Carstens (Terri), Sister-in-Law Kathy Carstens, as well as nine grandchildren, four great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Marvin will receive a full military funeral at the Washington State Veteran’s Cemetery in Medical Lake, WA on November 16th, 2022 at 9:45 am.

The family would like to thank Touchmark for their thoughtfulness and loving care. In lieu of flowers, friends and family are encouraged to donate to Inland Northwest Honor Flight, 608 W 2nd, STE 309, Spokane, WA 99201.