Charlotte J. Carstens

Charlotte Joan Carstens was born on August 15, 1939 in Audubon, Iowa, the daughter of Harold and Gladys (Henriksen) Potter. She completed her 12th-grade education before pursuing her passion for cosmetology at the Americana Academy of Beauty in Des Moines, IA.

On January 1, 1960, Charlotte married Bartlett Neal Carstens at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Buck Grove, IA. From this union, they were blessed with three daughters. Together, they built a beautiful life filled with love and devotion spanning over six decades.

Charlotte's journey through life was marked by her unwavering dedication to her family and her ventures in various professions.  She owned and operated the Country Curler beauty salon.  Alongside her husband, she managed hotels and operated a semi-truck.   She took great joy in caring for her family and never missed an opportunity to support her children at their events. An avid reader, she found solace in books and cherished moments spent enjoying coffee with friends or camping.

Charlotte passed away on Friday, March 29, 2024 at Gracewell-Eventide Lutheran Home in Denison, attaining the age of 84 years, 7 months, and 14 days. She was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Gladys Potter; and sister, Sandra McCutcheon.

She is survived by her husband, Bartlett Neal Carstens of Denison; daughters: Cristi (David) Hidding of Denison; Cindi (Jim) Staley of Sioux City; and Chari (Terry) Ueding of Lyons, NE; grandchildren: Kelsey, Kara, Jamie, Christopher, Ashley, Emily, and Abby; 12 great grandchildren; and brother, Russ (Cheryl) Potter; other relatives and friends.

One of Charlotte's final wishes was to donate her body to science at the Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha—a testament to her enduring spirit of generosity. A private family graveside service will be held at a later date to honor her memory.