John Carlsten

John M. Carlsten passed away on February 19, 2010 at Brookdale Ramsey Village in Des Moines. He was 84, and had been ill with Parkinson’s Disease for 12 years.

John was born in St. Paul, Minnesota, grew up in Bryan, Ohio and lived in Iowa most of his adult life. He served in the United States Navy during World War II. From 1961 to his retirement in 1987, he taught in the Des Moines Public Schools. He was a music teacher his entire career and published a number of arrangements for student ensembles. He also played French horn in the Des Moines Symphony. Throughout his life, he shared the gift of music with thousands of young people.

He was highly educated, with a Masters Degree in Music Education from Drake University, and had completed all but his dissertation for a Doctorate in Musicology. He was known for his intellect as well as his kindness, refinement, and subtle sense of humor.

John was beloved husband of his late wife Frances, and loving father to his son and daughter. He was especially devoted to his son, who also lives with a chronic neurological disease.

He is survived by his son Eric Carlsten and daughter Christine Danoff Cahn, his sister Virginia Gladding and brother Paul Carlsten.

A musical memorial will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to Iowa Hospice, 5650 NW Johnston Drive, Suite E, Johnston, IA 50131.

www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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