Geneen Ruth Karstens

Geneen Ruth Karstens “Grandma Geneen” (85) passed away peacefully Monday, January 17, 2022 at Birchwood Cottages in North Mankato, MN.  Geneen was born October 9, 1936 to Levi and Hilda (Draegert) Schoonover in Lewisville, MN. 

Geneen graduated from Truman High School in 1954 where she was known as The Girl With The Contagious Laugh.  After graduation, she and her best friend Max moved to the big city of Mankato.  There she worked for Fisher Clothing before making a career as an office manager for Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company, United Way, and lastly Mankato Mack Trucks, where she retired in 2001.  Geneen was a hard worker, rarely missed a day, all while raising three sons and a daughter. 

In her free time, she enjoyed reading, piano, big band and soft rock, crotchet, scrabble, camping, and bird watching.  It was a treat to feast on her amazing, scalloped corn, homemade mac n cheese, and other hot dish creations.  During retirement she could be found at the park pitching baseballs and kickballs, in the woods building forts, and around the campfire playing Bird-Beast or Fish with her grandkids.  She was an amazing babysitter and could fix any owie with a wet paper towel and a hug.  She also cared for her grand cats, Chloe and Daisy and grand dog, Joop for many years. 

Geneen is survived by her sons, Gary D, Brad (Carolyn) and Mark (Shirley); daughter, Trish (Dave) Clyne; grandchildren, Amber (Alen), Krista, Kendra (Scott), Kale (Renee), Jessica, Nicholas, Jake (Emily), Dan (Amanda), and Chad whom she cared for from birth to kindergarten; and 10 great-grandchildren. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Alton and Herb (Ruth); and sisters, Winnie (Herman) and Ellen (Larry). 

A private graveside service will take place in the spring in Lewisville, MN where she will be buried with her parents.  Mankato Mortuary assisted the family with arrangements.

Geneen’s family is ever so grateful for the wonderful staff at Birchwood Cottages and St. Croix Hospice, who cared for her like one of their own.