Calvin "Cal" Carstensen
Calvin “Cal” Carstensen died Sunday, November 10, 2024 at home in Tampa,
Florida after an arduous battle with pulmonary fibrosis. Born July 31,1956 in
Rapid City, South Dakota, Calvin grew up on the family ranch in Owanka, South
Dakota. He attended New Underwood High School in New Underwood, South Dakota,
WyoTech in Laramie, Wyoming, and then worked as a welder for the railroad until
his retirement.
Cal worked and played in Rapid City before moving and settling his family in
Lusk, Wyoming where they lived for 32 years. He spent his remaining time in
Florida enjoying his grandkids and the sunshine. As a habitual obituary reader,
and a rather dry sense of humor, Calvin wrote his own words to be printed at
the time of his death. They are as follows (punctuation included): Start crying
Cal’s dead. That’s it?!.
Calvin is survived by his wife, Tina Carstensen; their children, Emily
(Tyson) Carstensen, Kate (Sean) LaRue, and Benjamin (Krista) Carstensen; three
grandchildren, Konrad, Lars, and Vada LaRue; and his sisters, Jeanette Nilson
and Lindell Freeman. Calvin was preceded in death by his parents Donald and
Virginia Carstensen.
In lieu of flowers, simply pay it forward. Memorials can be sent to Town of
Lusk Animal Shelter. A Celebration of Life will take place in Cal’s shop at 775
Overland Way in Lusk, Wyoming, Monday, November 25, 2024 at 1300. Come ready to
enjoy Cal’s favorites: live music, Reuben sandwiches and pecan pie.