Carsten Lee Harkey

Carsten Lee Harkey, born on July 23, 1995, to Kari & Justin. He was a sweet and easy baby and child. He loved hot wheels, Legos, and experiencing new adventures. He was so excited to welcome his baby sister Reegan in 1999 and equally ecstatic when Gannon arrived in 2007. His teachers commented on his incredible memory and how much he loved to talk. He was known as a master negotiator from an early age and loved to make people laugh. He attended Little Red Schoolhouse from 1999 to 2001, then was a student at Christ the King from kindergarten in 2001 through 8th grade in 2009. After that, he attended Bishop McGuinness from 2009 to 2013. On February 5, 2012, he was confirmed with the name Saint Aloysius.

Carsten had a deep passion for bringing people together—his kindness, his sense of humor, and his love for adventure touched everyone he met. Every life he encountered was brighter because of his warmth, acceptance, and carefree view on life. Friends and family most remember how seen he made everyone feel, his amazing smile and laughter, sweet and kind soul, and the world being a better place when he was around.

Carsten began his career in the entertainment production industry at just 18 years old, starting in small music and entertainment venues throughout the Oklahoma City area. Through hard work, dedication, and a natural talent for live production, he steadily built a respected career that took him to some of the state’s most well-known venues. He met the love of his life Laken in 2018.

Carsten loved music in all its forms, and his work gave him the opportunity to experience performances from some of the greatest acts in country, heavy metal, Motown, rhythm and blues, and classic rock. He also contributed his talents to productions with numerous corporate and civic events. As his experience and reputation grew, Carsten’s work took him across the country. He worked music festivals from coast to coast, domestic USO tours, trade shows, and major entertainment productions. In 2018, he was selected to work the NFL Draft, an opportunity that later led to his involvement with festivities surrounding Super Bowl LIV in 2020. Before COVID, he also worked prominent private events and concerts. Following the pandemic, Carsten chose to stay closer to home, continuing his work throughout Oklahoma and surrounding states until relocating to Alabama with Laken in the winter of 2024.

Music and live production were more than a career to Carsten — they were where he felt most at home. He was respected for his talent, his strong work ethic, and the passion he brought to every event and production he was part of. He was a mentor to his colleagues, a devoted son, brother, and friend. He loved animals, music, and traveling to new places. Whether at a concert or hanging out with his family, he made every moment special.

Carsten will be deeply missed, 30 years was not nearly long enough, but his light and love will forever guide us.

He is survived by his parents Kari Peterson & Justin & Rebecca Harkey, his siblings Reegan and Gannon Harkey. His grandparents Mike & Peggy Peterson, Gene Harkey, Marcia Harkey-Buck, 5 aunts, 5 uncles, and 15 cousins, and countless friends.