Beverly Karsten, age 80, of Naytahwaush, MN, died unexpectedly Sunday, October 2, 2022, at the Mahnomen Health Center, Mahnomen, MN.

Beverly Ann Person was born on October 29, 1941, in Mahnomen, MN, the daughter of Paul and Alice (LaRoque) Person.  She attended grade school in Bagley, MN, and graduated from Mahnomen High School with the class of 1960.  On June 10, 1961, Bev was united in marriage to Donald Kvale and together they were blessed with three children.  In 1962, the couple moved to Seattle, WA, for a few years before relocating back to the Twin Cities Metro in Minnesota.  Don and Bev moved to Mahnomen in 1977 to make their home and Don died in 1982.  Beverly continued to live in Mahnomen and later met Jerold Karsten.  They were married in 1987 and lived in Ada, MN.  In 1989, Jerry and Bev moved to their home on North Twin Lake.  He died in October of 2020 and Beverly remained in their home until her death.

Caring, compassionate, dedicated, fun-loving and humble are all words that describe Beverly.  Over the past 32 years, Bev has devoted her time and efforts to helping improve the lives of the elders on the White Earth Reservation.  She was very fundamental in working with the Wisdom Steps Program and has served on the board for many years.  In addition, Bev also set up the annual statewide Wisdom Steps Conference and the golf tournament charity event that benefited the Elders Program.  All her hard work didn't go unnoticed as she received numerous awards and recognitions over the years including The National Hero Award and Elder of the Year Award.  When Beverly wasn't working you could find her at her happy place at the lake, which usually meant on a floatie in the middle of the lake!  She loved lake life and everything it had to offer like pontoon rides, bean bags, bonfires, hanging out with family and friends and of course, Bar Bingo on Friday nights at Pinehurst Resort.  She enjoyed bingo, slots, poker and the trips to Las Vegas to try her luck, which was usually pretty good.  Bev was always in a good mood with a smile on her face and twinkle in her eye, making you wonder what she was up to.  She loved her family dearly and any time she could be around family and friends meant a good time every time!  She will be greatly missed by all who were lucky enough to have known her.

Beverly is survived by two sons, Paul (Debbie) Kvale of Grand Forks, ND, and Brett Kvale of St. Croix Falls, WI; one daughter, Tracie Kvale of Moorhead, MN; five grandchildren: Timmy, Michael, Jenna, Brittany, Vinny; eight great-grandchildren: Ryker, Scarlett, Gavin, CeCe, Zoey, Olivia, Sophie, and Ryker; two sisters, Carol "PeeWee" Olson of Fargo, ND, and Cathy "Punkin" Warren of Crystal, MN; and several nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents; two husbands, Donald and Jerold; three brothers: Chuck, Wayne, and Floyd Person; and a sister, Betty Denson.

Blessed be the memory of Beverly Karsten.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, October 8, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Anne's Catholic Church in Naytahwaush. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Inurnment will be in St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery, rural Beaulieu, MN.