Now John is walking the streets of gold, seeing beautiful buildings and riches untold, calling out “Here Ye, Here Ye” ringing a golden bell, saying “no more dirty streets, I’m home and all is well.” You are so missed, John, Opa, by all of us. But happy you are now, O so glad for a new body and being in God’s presence.
John served with the Dutch Marines in the Netherlands, worked at Yff’s Grocery Store, managed Shopper’s Fare, and retired from Johnson Controls Interiors (JCI, Inc.) after 15 years. He was involved with Tulip Time since 1967 and was the Town Crier for 40 years from 1979 to 2019. He also served as President of the Town Crier’s Guild of America. John was a member of Central Wesleyan Church and loved by many.
John was preceded in death by his daughter, Frances Ann Groover in 2020.
John is survived by his:
Wife of 65 years, Wieda Karsten
Children
John H. Karsten of Lansing
Elizabeth (Steve) Zeerip of Vriesland
Irene (Eric) Kroll of Olive Center
10 Grandchildren
14 Great Grandchildren
5 Great Great Grandchildren
1 brother and 5 sisters all living in the Netherlands
Brother-in-Law
Andrew (Mary) Huisman of Holland.
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