Phillip M. Karsten

KARSTEN - Phillip M. Karsten, age 68, of Grand Rapids, MI reached up to take the outstretched hands of his Lord and Savior and walked into Heaven early Sunday morning, October 2, 2011. He is now at peace and free from pain. There to joyfully welcome him home were his parents, Bert and Lily Karsten, and his brothers Jim, Dave, and Eugene Karsten. He will be remembered by his brother John (Danielle) Karsten of Montpelier, Virginia; sisters-in-law, Nancy Karsten of Byron Center and Alice Karsten of Grandville; many nieces and nephews, grand nieces and nephews, and great grand nieces and nephews; special cousin Anne Pyciak; and very special friends Steve and Carol Malone, Jim Orr, and Rosemary Sytsma.

Phil spent the majority of his working life in the construction industry working for a few different local general contractors, two of which were owned by family members. He also applied his carpentry skills at his final job at Brookcrest Nursing Home. During the course of his life, Phil was a very active member of the Kentwood Jaycees and was issued a lifetime membership in 1987. The family, on behalf of Phil, would like to thank the staff of The Lodge at Maple Creek for their kindnesses and care of Phil while he was a resident there. Also, a very special thank you to Donna from Hospice of Michigan. You became his new, best friend. Honoring Phil's wishes, cremation has taken place.

Visitation with the family will be held at the Cook Funeral Home in Byron Center, 2067 - 84th St SW, on Thursday from 5-8 PM. A memorial service for friends and family will take place on Friday at 1 PM at the chapel at Maple Creek - The Terraces, located at 2000 - 32nd St SE, Grand Rapids with Pastor Becky Ebb-Speese officiating. In lieu of flowers, you are asked to remember Hospice of Michigan. The family welcomes memories and messages online at WWW.Cookfamilycares.com

Visitation October 06, 2011 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM Cook Funeral & Cremation Services - Byron Center Chapel 2067 84th St. SW Byron Center, MI

Funeral Service October 07, 2011 1:00 PM Maple Creek - The Terraces 2000 32nd St. SE Grand Rapids, MI

Interment

Funeral Home Service Cook Funeral & Cremation Services - Byron Center Chapel 2067 84th St. SW Byron Center, MI