May 9, 1917 - Jan. 4, 2009

Lauren Karstens, 91, of Albany died Sunday at Timberview Care Center.

He was born in Albany to Richard and Edna (Cole) Karstens.

Lauren played trombone in the 30th U.S. Infantry Band as well as in the Albany Community Band.

After leaving the Army, he started farming in the late 1930s. Lauren married Dorothy Mae Mespelt on Sept. 28, 1941, in Albany. He spent five years selling shoes with Penney's in Albany and Corvallis in the mid-1950s. He then purchased property in the Riverside area and farmed until he was 71. He raised strawberries, corn, wheat and ryegrass, as well as chickens.

He looked forward annually to his deer hunting trip with friends and family.

Lauren is survived by children Lauretta Good of Tangent, Stanley Karstens of Albany, Marcia Finley of Coquille, Mahlon Karstens of Tangent and Beverly Davis of Westfall; eight grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-granddaughters.

He was preceded in death by his wife, both parents, brother Richard Karstens, and sister Marjorie Shelby.

A viewing will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Fisher Funeral Home. A funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Friday at Fisher Funeral Home with interment following at Willamette Memorial Park.

Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of one's choice, sent in care of Fisher Funeral Home, 306 Washington St. S.W., Albany, OR 97321 (www.fisherfuneralhome.com).