Peter Lorenz Carstensen

Peter "Pete" Lorenz Carstensen August 10, 1916 - August 16, 2010 SALEM - Peter "Pete" Lorenz Carstensen, 94, passed away on August 16, 2010, in Salem, Oregon. He was born August 10, 1916, in Glen Bush Saskatchewan, Canada. He was the oldest of four children and had several older half-siblings. Pete's parents traded homesteads to move to the Silverton Hills area when Pete was a young child. Pete served two tours in the U.S. Army and Air Force Reserves where he was stationed in Hawaii, the Philippines and Australia. He retired after 23 years of military service. Pete was a hard worker, often working two or three jobs at the same time. He retired from the Oregon Highway Department in 1980 after many years. Although he could not read music, Pete was a natural musician and played many instruments (banjo, guitar, mandolin, ukulele and organ to name a few). For many years, Pete was an active member of the Northwest Banjo Band, often playing "gigs" at local pizza parlors and senior living facilities. Music was an important part of Pete's life and his ability to share it was a gift to all who knew him. Pete was preceded in death by his wife, Annette; brother, Roy; and sister, Hattie. He is survived by his wife, Joyce; children, John, Sue, Debbie and Maryann; brother, Jens; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In addition, he is survived by many nieces and nephews. Throughout his life, Pete was a member of many organizations including: United Commercial Travelers (UCT) and Knights of Columbus. In addition he actively participated in the Boys Scouts of America and helped create the Salem Boys Club (now Salem Boys and Girls Club). In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Boys Scouts of America or the Salem Boys and Girls Club as these were very important organizations to Pete. Services will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, August 21 at Queen of Peace Catholic Church. Private Interment with military honors will be held at Willamette National Cemetery. Arrangements by Howell-Edwards-Doerkson