Helen Marie Karsten, 86, of rural Waseca, died Friday, November 25, 2016 at her home. She was born August 2, 1930 in Waterville, Minnesota the daughter of Henry and Anna (Hollinger) Hager. At the age of 13, she moved with her family to Blooming Grove where she completed her schooling, attending District #422 Country School. Following her schooling, she worked at EF Johnsons. She then married Willard C. Karsten on September 27, 1952 in Waseca. The couple made their home in rural Waseca and in 1963 moved to their home in Blooming Grove Township where they raised their family. Helen also worked at Birds Eye every summer, Brown, OTC and after retirement she worked at Shady Oaks part-time. Helen loved to entertain and was known for her potato salad. There were always people around her home. She cared for many of her nieces and nephews. She especially enjoyed having her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren in her home. She was a member of the Eagles Club in Owatonna. She is survived by her children, Charles (Kris) Karsten of Owatonna, Curtis (Toni James) Karsten of Waseca, Dennis (Connie) Karsten of Waseca, Wayne (Kim) Karsten of Owatonna and Lori (David) Johnson of Waseca; grandchildren, Jason (Dawn) Karsten, Brandon (friend, Tabitha) Karsten, Trisha (friend, Wes) Karsten, Natasha (Nick) Kahnke, Casey (Alex White) Johnson and Cody (Brianna Marble) Johnson; great grandchildren, Aliyah Kahnke, Haley Kahnke, Ashton, Kahnke, Lane Karsten, Kate Karsten and Evan Karsten; siblings, Loretta Schwartz of Waterville, John (Shirley) Hager of Medford, Denny (Becky) Hager of Anoka, Susie (Don) Redman of Medford, Gene (Tena) Hager of Owatonna, Rosanne (Wayne) Barbknecht of Janesville, Sandy Sutlief of Northfield and Debbie Halblieb of Medford; sisters-in-law, Donna (Truman) Dokken of Missouri, Loretta (Terry) Ratajczyk of Circle Pines, Betty Hager of Owatonna and Harriet Hager of Mankato and a number of step grandchildren, step great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Willard C. Karsten (1980); great-grandson, Alex Karsten; siblings, Don Hager, Louis Hager, Paul Hager, David Hager Neil Hager, Lucille Hager and MaryJean Hager and brothers-in-law, Dave Sutlief, Vernon Schwartz and Mark Halblieb. Visitation will be 3-7pm on Tuesday, November 29, 2016 at Michaelson Funeral Home in Owatonna and 10-11am on Wednesday, November 30, 2016 at the church. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11am on Wednesday, November 30, 2016 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Waseca. Burial will be in Woodville Cemetery in Waseca. Visitation: 11/29/2016 15:00 11/29/2016 19:00 Service: 11/30/2016 11:00