Fern LoReen Karstens

Fern LoReen Karstens, beloved wife, mother and grandmother, passed away on Jan. 17, 2011 at her home in Fallbrook, Calif., after a long illness. She was born on Jan. 19, 1913 in Duluth, Minn.

She married Lee Karstens in 1936 in Minneapolis, Minn. They moved to California in 1937 and lived in Pacific Palisades for 20 years where they were successful buying and selling property and operating a family business. From there, they moved to Newport Beach and then Palm Springs, where they owned Baskin Robbins ice cream stores. She has lived in Fallbrook for the past 44 years. Fern and Lee owned Village Interiors until their retirement in 1977.

Fern is survived by her husband of 75 years, Lee Karstens, and their daughter Sharon and husband Curt Stika, and their two grandchildren Jennifer and Matthew Stika of Fallbrook.

In lieu of gifts or flowers, please make a donation to the Fallbrook Animal Sanctuary at PO Box 159, Fallbrook, CA 92088, in memory of Fern Karstens and her love for animals.