Gerald Robert Carstens

Born and raised in the Chicago area, he proudly served in the Army before becoming a civil engineer. He built a successful career and founded GRC Structures and later GRC Engineering. He was an athlete and sports enthusiast, playing basketball, tennis, and golf and later faithfully watching all his favorite sports teams, especially the Chicago Cubs.

His German roots helped shape his strong work ethic, discipline, and pride in doing things well. But he found happiness in life’s simple pleasures – a warm day in his backyard, a good cigar, and time spent with family.

He is preceded in death by his wife Kathleen Carstens. He is survived by his children Andrea (John) McCarthy, Yvonne (Robert) Normoyle, Mark (Jeanine) Carstens, and Caryn (Matthew) Haberkorn; and his grandchildren, Kevin McCarthy, Lauren (Joseph) Miller, Joseph (Katie) Normoyle, Kyle (Caitlin) Carstens, Jordan (Ashley) Carstens, Emily (Erik) McMillan, Silas (Mariah) Haberkorn, Carys, Lincoln, Kajsa, Justus, and Jonas Haberkorn; and great grandchildren Clark, Abigail, Wilder, Lydia, Levi, Tyler, Natalie, Wyatt, Remi, and Marleigh.

He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.