Arnold Anthony Kerstiens

Arnold “Toots” Kerstiens was a remarkable man, a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather, and loyal friend. He passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by love, at the age of 90 years and nine months.

Toots was born in Lakewood, Colorado, to the late Lillie (Brauch) and Lawrence Kerstiens. He was the seventh of ten children, and is survived by his two younger sisters, Betty and Pat. The Kerstiens family first farmed in Lakewood before moving to Imperial Beach, California, where Toots graduated from Chula Vista High School. They later returned to Colorado to farm near Sheridan and Florida. Toots held a variety of jobs in his early years, working in a butcher shop and helping move entire buildings from one location to another.

In May of 1955, Toots married the love of his life, Carol (Carlson). They shared 66 wonderful years together until her passing in December 2021. They raised four children: Laurie (Ron Hepburn), Carrie (Brian Bailey, deceased), Waco (Sheryl), and Darcy (Lance Redditt). Their family grew to include eight grandchildren (with Chris preceding him in death), eight great-grandchildren, and one great-great-granddaughter.

After several years of renting, in 1961 Toots and Carol settled into their forever home in Indian Hills. Their new mountain home provided the space they needed to raise horses, nurture their family, and build a lifetime of memories together.

At the age of 20, Toots began his career as a welder, working for Fred Gorrell at General Blacksmith and Ironworks. Over time, he took over ownership of the business after Fred’s passing and worked there until his retirement.

While Toots was a skilled tradesman, his true spirit was that of a cowboy. He taught his children to ride horses from an early age, supporting them through gymkhanas, Little Britches rodeos, and eventually Pro rodeos. He wrangled horses on cattle drives, played goalie on a cowboy polo team, the “Mountain Doers”, and competed in team roping. Every year, he packed into the Flat Tops for elk hunting, riding 12 miles in on horseback. At the age of 87, he shot a trophy bull elk, its antlers still displayed with pride in his living room! Fishing was another lifelong passion. Whether on a faraway trip or just down the road, if Toots was there, a fishing pole wasn’t far behind.

Animals of all kinds found a place in Toots’ heart and home. Over the years, his family had dogs, cats, ducks, pigs, sheep, goats, horses, and cattle. At one point, even a wild pheasant “adopted” him, following him around like a puppy. Neighborhood deer knew his kindness too, showing up at his door for a treat of flour tortillas.

Toots’ life was defined by hard work, adventure, humor, and love of family. He was the kind of man who left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Please join us in celebrating the life of Arnold “Toots” Kerstiens. The rosary will begin at 10:30 a.m., followed by a funeral mass at 11:00 a.m. on October 7, 2025, at Christ the King Church in Evergreen, Colorado, officiated by Father Jim Fox. Burial will follow at 1:00 p.m. at Crown Hill Cemetery in Wheat Ridge (29th Ave and Wadsworth Blvd). A reception will be held immediately after the burial.