Donald D. Carstens, 85, of Lincoln, NE, entered into eternal rest on Saturday, April 27, 2024 in Lincoln, NE.  He was born August 10, 1938 in Adair County, Iowa to Willis and Mildred (Jurgens) Carstens.  Don graduated from Omaha South High School in 1958.  On January 14, 1961, Don was united in marriage to Bernice Struz at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Omaha, NE.  He served his country in the U.S. Army until he was honorably discharged in 1967.

Don worked as a forklift mechanic at Western Electric/Lucent Technologies for 30 years until he retired from Lucent Technologies in 1988.  In his retirement, Don drove a tractor-trailer hauling grain and livestock for Wahoo Livestock Express, Gerald Osmera and drove a side dumper truck for Dennis Johnson Trucking.

Don enjoyed fishing, gardening, all sporting events, nature and watching his bluebirds.  In his early years he enjoyed NASCAR and drag racing.  He was a man that could fix anything, and he put his talents to use when tinkering with his 1938 Chevy and his tractors.  Don was always willing to stop and talk with anyone he met.  He enjoyed his neighbors and a good fist bump.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Bernice Carstens; sons, David (Anne) Carstens and Daniel Carstens; grandchildren, Trey (Lindsey) Carstens, Trevor Carstens, Payton Carstens, Darby Carstens and Kami Carstens; sister, Deloris Wiese; sister-in-law, Shirley Carstens; sister-in-law, Patricia Carstens, and many other family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Willis and Mildred Carstens; siblings, Kenneth Carstens, Melvin Carstens, Eugene Carstens, Margie Seffron, Roger Carstens and Merle Carstens.