Andrew John Carstensen-Benton, Illinois

Andy Carstensen, of Benton, passed away Wednesday evening, March 5, 2025, after a brief illness. He is survived by his wife, Janet (Frailey) Carstensen, his son Sean, Sean’s wife Amanda and two grandsons Graham and Liam Carstensen, also of Benton.

Andy was born in Clinton, Iowa to Emmert and Phyllis (Sally) Carstensen, now deceased. His oldest brother David of New York, New York also preceded him in death. His siblings include Joe Carstensen (Luann) of Camanche, Iowa, Phillip (Skip) Carstensen (Judy), Clinton, Iowa, Dennis Carstensen (Judy), Clinton, NY, Becky Stechroth (Kevin), Livonia, MI, Mark Carstensen, (Karen), North Judson, IN and Jeff Carstensen, Tarpon Springs, FL.

Andy began his sophomore year of High School in Benton when his father’s job transferred him to work on Rend Lake. Andy excelled at running track on the Benton High School track team and held time records in the state of Illinois. Midway through his senior year, his father’s job transferred the family to Detroit where he graduated from Redford High School.

Andy always considered Benton home. After graduation he returned to Benton and enrolled in Rend Lake College. As luck would have it, he drew a draft number of fifty-three the year college deferments ended. In 1972 he opted to enlist in the Army and spent 3 years in Germany in the Military Police. While home on leave in his third year of service he was introduced to his wife Janet, by his former high school English teacher, Betty Frailey. In 1974, Janet had accepted a job in Germany working as a civilian for the Air Force near the base where Andy was stationed; they were married in Basel, Switzerland and enjoyed traveling Europe for the next two years before their son Sean was born.

In 1977 they moved back to the states and settled in St. Louis to be near family. In 1981 they moved to New England with work and lived in New England until 2000 when they moved back to Benton.

Andy was always a fixer of all things. When he was a boy, he started with rebuilding his own bicycle and then moved to restoring antique John Deere tractors, vintage cars and remodeling three houses. His favorite coffee mug says, “If Grandpa can’t fix it, we’re all screwed.” If it could be fixed, he could fix it.
He loved photography. While in Germany, he received an associate’s degree in photography from University of Maryland. He enjoyed developing and printing beautiful and interesting photos of Europe. As a dad, he coached Sean’s little league team for 3 years and helped coach his soccer team. He taught Sean to ski when he was three years old. When Sean got older, he loved racing him back to the lift line. He was always the competitor.

Andy loved his dogs, taking them on daily walks in the field and playing games of Frisbee. He enjoyed being a member of the Benton Golf Club and playing in the golf league. His greatest joy was introducing the game of golf to his two grandsons. He loved taking them to the driving range and then playing nine holes with them. He was so proud of them.

Andy was always generous with his time and skills, always happy to help friends and neighbors when they needed a hand. Even though he graduated high school in Detroit, he liked to be involved in organizing his Benton Class reunions. He loved people, had a quick smile, and would make a witty remark often at the most unexpected times. Andy was well loved and will be greatly missed by his family and friends of both the two and four legged varieties.
Andy’s wishes are to be cremated.

A Celebration of Life Service will be announced at a future date.
Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, is in charge of the arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, the Voyage Senior Living of Marion, IL, or to Hospice of Southern Illinois, and will be accepted in memory of Andy, care of the Leffler Funeral Home, 401 East Main Street, Benton, IL 62812.
To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Andy, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.