Leland H. Carstensen

Leland H. Carstensen, age 82, of rural Breckenridge, passed away in his home on Sunday, June 29, 2014.

Lee was born October 17, 1931, in Marion Springs, the son of Herbert and Celia (Smith) Carstensen.  During the Korean Conflict he served as an MP in the Army.  He married Alice Zimmerman on January 16, 1954.  He worked at Motor Wheel in Lansing for 29 years, retiring in 1990.  Lee and Alice enjoyed several winters in Florida after their retirements.

Lee loved working outdoors in the yard and would constantly pick up the pine cones falling off the trees in their yard.  He would also do crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, and thoroughly enjoyed playing cards.  He especially loved his grandchildren.

Lee is survived by his wife of 60 years, Alice; his children, Martin (Lori) Carstensen of Ithaca, Michael (Rebecca Aherns) Carstensen of Elsie, Mark (Julie) Carstensen of Ithaca, and Donna Teeter and Gregg Duncan of Tennessee; 7 grandsons and their spouses; 8 great grandchildren;his brother, Dale (Virginia) Carstensen of Flushing; his sister, Virginia Stephen of Brant; his brother-in-law, Dan Wenzel of Saginaw; and many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Marvin Carstensen; his sister, Garnet Wenzel; his sister-in-law, Delores Carstensen; and his brother-in-law, Cecil Stephen.

Funeral services for Lee will be 11 a.m. Thursday, July 3, at the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca, with Pastor Steven Gulick officiating.  Interment will follow in Hamilton Township Cemetery.  Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Tuesday and 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Wednesday.