Calvin “Cal” Carstensen died Sunday, November 10, 2024 at home in Tampa, Florida after an
arduous battle with pulmonary fibrosis. Born July 31,1956 in Rapid City, SD, Calvin grew up on
the family ranch in Owanka, SD. He attended New Underwood High School in New
Underwood, SD, WyoTech in Laramie, WY, and then worked as a welder for the railroad until
his retirement. Cal worked and played in Rapid City before moving and settling his family in
Lusk, Wyoming where they lived for 32 years. He spent his remaining time in Florida enjoying
his grandkids and the sunshine. As a habitual obituary reader, and a rather dry sense of humor,
Calvin wrote his own words to be printed at the time of his death. They are as follows
(punctuation included):
Start crying Cal’s dead. That’s it?!.
Calvin is survived by his wife, Tina Carstensen; their children, Emily (Tyson) Carstensen, Kate
(Sean) LaRue, and Benjamin (Krista) Carstensen; three grandchildren, Konrad, Lars, and Vada
LaRue; and his sisters, Jeanette Nilson and Lindell Freeman.
Calvin was preceded in death by his parents Donald and Virginia Carstensen.
In lieu of flowers, simply pay it forward. Memorials can be sent to Town of Lusk Animal Shelter.
A Celebration of Life will take place in Cal’s shop at 775 Overland Way in Lusk, Wyoming,
Monday, November 25, 2024 at 1300. Come ready to enjoy Cal’s favorites: live music, Rueben
sandwiches and pecan pie.