Sydney Victor Carsten's Obituary
THE REVEREND SYDNEY VICTOR CARSTEN passed away on Thursday, January 8, 2009. Syd was born in Elgin, Minnesota, on May 20, 1924, to Walter and Adele Carsten. Graduating from Elgen High School in May, 1941, Reverend Carsten worked in a factory for a time before joining the Naval Air Corps in November 1942. Reverend Carsten received his wings on November 28, 1944, and served his country as a Reserve Naval Officer until his retirement as Commanding Officer, VP-791, in 1972. Reverend Carsten attended the University of Minnesota from 1947 through 1951 and subsequently enjoyed a memorable career with Pfizer Laboratories, where he retired as District Manager, Memphis District, in April, 1989. He graduated from the Memphis Theological Seminary in May, 1994. Reverend Carsten remained active in his church and community throughout his life. He was ordained as a Deacon in the Episcopal Church on January 22, 1994, and continued his study, culminating in his ordination as a Priest on June 24, 1997. He served as Vicar for Trinity and St. Paul’s churches in Mason, Tennessee, and also served the church as Interim Priest at Emmanuel Church in Memphis, Tennessee, and priest at St. Anne’s and Ravenscroft Episcopal churches. Reverend Carsten was predeceased by his parents and his wife of 47 years, the former Janetta Strain of Tupelo, Mississippi. He is survived by four daughters, Mrs. Cathy Russell (Don) of Smithfield, Virginia; Ms. Beth Crosland of Elizabeth City, North Carolina; Mrs. Courtney Kelley (Barry) of Yorktown, Virginia; and Mrs. Allison Martin (Kevin) of Memphis, Tennessee. In addition, he is survived by two sons, Mr. Sydney V. Carsten, Jr. (Sheila) of Currituck, North Carolina; Mr. Mark Carsten (Sharon) of Lynchburg, Virginia; 12 grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren; a younger brother, Donald Carsten of Kansas City, Missouri; two younger sisters, Gloria Lewison (Lew) of Rochester, Minnesota, and Marlene Larson of Jefferson City, Iowa; and his close and special friend, Ms. Ruth Manger of Memphis, Tennessee. Reverend Carsten was a member of various businesses, military and civic organizations, including the Association of Naval Aviation, where he served as Commanding Officer of the local squadron; the Memphians for America, where he served as President, and the Military Officers Association of America, where he served as Chaplain. He was also a member of the College of the Clergy of the Diocese of West Tennessee.There will be a celebration of Father Syd’s life at Saint Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral, 692 Poplar Avenue, at 2 o’clock p.m. on Monday, January 12, 2009 and will be immediately followed by a gathering of family and friends in the Parish Hall.In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to Saint Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral or the Church Health Center in Memphis, Tennessee.Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery 901-767-8930 www.memorialparkonline.com
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