Alex John Karsten, age four months, died of mitochondrial disease at his home in Owatonna, MN on Saturday, October 15, 2011.  Funeral services will be held Wednesday October 19, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Meridan, MN, Pastor Gary Rusinko officiating. Visitation will be held from 4-8 p.m. on Tuesday, October 18, 2011 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, and will continue one hour before services on Wednesday. Burial will be at LeSueur River Lutheran Cemetery. 

Bruss-Heitner Funeral Home in Wells is assisting with arrangements.

Alex was born June 14, 2011 in Owatonna, MN to Brandon Joseph and Bobbi-Jo (Olson) Karsten. He was much loved, not only by his parents and his brother Evan, but also his whole family and community.

Alex is survived by his parents: Brandon and Bobbi Jo Karsten of Owatonna, MN; his big brother, Evan Karsten, of Owatonna, MN; grandparents: Charles (Kris) Karsten, Owatonna, MN; Kim (Roger) Schema of West Concord, MN; Linda (Jerry) Seeger of Kenyon, MN; John (Jennelle) Olson of Ellendale, MN; aunts and uncles: Brooke (Matt) Spurgeon of Ellendale, MN; Christopher (Mary Jo) Olson, of Ellendale, MN; Jason (Dawn) Karsten, of Owatonna, MN; Trisha Karsten of North Mankato, MN; cousins: Rilyn Spurgeon, Lane Karsten, Kate Karsten, and Katie Olson;  great-grandparents: Hazel Olson, of Ellendale, MN; Eileen Larson, of Owatonna, MN; Eugene and Berniece Cornelius of Ellendale, MN; Helen Karsten of Waseca, MN; and Team Alex.

He was preceded in death by his great-grandfathers, William Olson, Dean Larson and Willard Karsten; and by a great-aunt, Elsa Olson.