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Eileen Karsten, age 70, of Ulen, MN, died Thursday, December 31, 2020 at her home in Ulen.

Eileen Vickie Bjerke was born on June 18, 1950 to the parents of Nile and Olga (Orwald) Bjerke in Ulen. She was raised on the family farm west of Ulen doing all the things a farm kid did back then. Eileen attended school and graduated from Ulen High School with the class of 1968. After graduation, she moved to the Fargo area where she was employed. On July 11, 1969, Eileen and Maynard (Dusty) Karsten were united in marriage in Dilworth, MN, and after a short time they made their home in Felton, MN. In 1983, the couple made their forever home in Ulen. After raising her two children, Eileen began working in the Felton Cafe. In 1991, they purchased the café. Eileen owner and operated the cafe until 2006, when it was sold. She then went to work for the Ulen C- Store until 2012. Due to Dusty's declining health, Eileen became a full-time caretaker to Dusty, until he passed away on May 4, 2013.

Eileen loved being outside working, both in her yard and garden. She took pride in her flower gardens. Eileen made sure her home and her yard were always in lovely order. In her downtime, she would be found quilting. Over the years, Eileen hosted many holiday meals for her family. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

Eileen is survived by her daughter, Melissa Karsten and fiancé Jim Steen, Fargo, ND; three grandchildren: Alyssa (Zach) Zaun, McKenna Karsten, and Justin Karsten; two great grandsons, Tripp and Gage; a brother, Wayne; four sisters: Norma (Waldo) Hilde, Alvina (Tim) Newman, Carol Ellingson and Deborah Pollock.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Dusty; her son, Waylon; three sisters: Diane, Clarice and Orpha; and a brother, Duane.

Due to the current Covid-19 restrictions, a private family service will be held at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Ulen. For those not in attendance, a video recording of the service will be available here, shortly following. Burial will be in North Bethlehem Lutheran Cemetery, Ulen.

"Heart to Heart, Never Apart" is a service we implemented to help offer support to families facing private services at this time. This will give those not attending an opportunity to share a token of love and support.  Our hope is to fill the service location with large hearts so the family can feel the loving presence of others and know they are not alone.  Please Click Here to have a Heart Placed in your name, showing the family you are there with them in spirit.  This program is offered at no charge.