Carolyn K. Carstens, 86, of LeClaire, passed away on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2026, at The Summit in Bettendorf.
Funeral services were held on Monday, Nov. 2, at Our Savior Presbyterian Church in Argo, where she was a devoted, longtime member. Burial was in Mount Union Cemetery in Princeton. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or to Our Savior Presbyterian Church to assist with youth programs.
Carolyn was born Feb. 17, 1940, in Chicago, Ill., the daughter of Carrol and Erlene (Gunn) Stein. She attended Rock Island High School and LeClaire High School, where she was a cheerleader. She went on to further her education at Scott Community College, earning her teaching certificate.
On April 27, 1957, Carolyn was united in marriage to her sweetie, Carl A. Carstens, at First Presbyterian Church in LeClaire, where they resided for many years.
Carolyn helped start a local preschool in LeClaire, where she taught for several years. As an active member of Our Savior Presbyterian Church, she served as a Deacon, sang in the choir, and lovingly taught daycare and Sunday school for over 30 years. She was also a member of the Scott County Historical Society, the LeClaire Civic Center, 4-H, and the Buffalo Bill Museum.
Alongside Carl, Carolyn worked on their family farm, helping with livestock and the annual harvest. She enjoyed dancing, singing, and bowling with her family when she was young. As she grew older, she poured her heart into raising her family. She was the most loving and wonderful mother and grandmother, who adored following her grandkids to all of their activities and cheering them on. Above all, she lived by her faith in the Lord and loved to share it with others!
Those left to honor her memory include her beloved husband, Carl; her daughters and sons-in-law, Connie and David Dayton of Riverdale, and Brenda and David Chapman of LeClaire; her grandchildren, Jimmy Pearce, Jamie (Keith) Evans, Carl Pearce, Anthony (Kimie) Dayton, Brandon Dayton, Christopher Dayton, Mark Dayton, Kaylyn (Zach) Nelson, Nathan (Mackynzie) Chapman, Kelsey (Jake) Grafenberg, and Lynsey Chapman; several cherished great-grandchildren; great-great grandchildren; her sister, Lisa (Kandy) Stein of Clearwater, Fla.; her brothers, Dean Stein of Florida and Kevin (Denise) Stein of North Carolina; and her sister-in-law, Vivian (Frank) Martin of LeClaire.
Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents; her daughter, Carrie Carstens; her brother, Mike Stein; and her sisters-in-law, Debbie Stein and LuAnna Leuth.
Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting Carolyn’s obituary at www.McGinnis-Chambers.com.
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