Blanche E. Kahlstorf

Blanche E. Kahlstorf, age 97, of Lake George and Park Rapids, MN areas, passed away on March 24, 2014 at the Heritage Living Center in Park Rapids, MN. Blanche was born on January 11, 1917 at Yola, MN to James W. and Nina (Bingham) Carson. She attended the Yola country school near her home. As a young woman she lived on the family farm, helping her parents and was later employed to care for children and prepare meals by a local family. On June 3, 1936 Blanche was united in marriage to Ervin Kahlstorf. This union blessed them with six children: Russell, Kenneth, Lois, Dale, Elvera and Paul. The family made their home in Schoolcraft Township where Blanche provided a happy home for her family. She raised a large garden, canning or freezing many vegetables and fruits; picking and preserving many quarts of blueberries; raising chickens from babies to egg producers ; supervising the children and helping with farming activities. Blanche and Ervin later moved to Lake George where he built a new home. They traveled to Arizona where they spent several winters and built another home. In 2002 they moved to Heritage Manor in Park Rapids where Blanche has lived since. Personnel at the Manor have become "family" to her. Blanche will long be remembered for her ability to care about others. She especially loved babies and children. She taught Beginners' Sunday School Class for many years, lovingly cared for Ervin after his debilitating stroke for the remainder of his life, found opportunities to serve families or persons who needed her help wherever and whenever she could. She was a charter member of the Kabekona Free Methodist Church at Laporte, MN. Her commitment to Christ was the source of her gentle, sweet, servant spirit and interest in others including Missions, Christian broadcasting, Evangelism and Christian education. Blanche will be lovingly remembered by her family. Two sons: Russell (Clorrene) and Kenneth (Helene) both of Lake George; two daughters: Lois (Garth) Betry of Marion, IA and Vera (Jim) Peck of Austin, MN; One sister, Mabel Carson of Park Rapids ; sisters in law, Sarah Carson of Park Rapids and Mary Kahlstorf of St. Joseph, MO.; grandchildren: Doreen (Larry) Bessler of New York Mills, MN, Karla Bismarck of Big Lake, MN, Londa (Jason) Johannsen of Lake George, MN, Del (Kathy) Kahlstorf , Heidi Kahlstorf both of Duluth, MN. Melody (David) Miller of Alburnett, IA, and Pat (Tim) Porter of Colorado Springs, CO, also Kathi (Forrest) Himebaugh of Adams, MN; twenty one great grand children, one great, great granddaughter as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many special friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Ervin; two sons: Dale and Paul; sister, Pernilla Kahlstorf; brothers, Ira, Orville, Wallace Carson and step-mother, Edith Carson. Funeral services will be held at 11 AM Monday, March 31, 2014 at Kabekona Community Church, south of Kabekona Corner, with a one hour visitation prior to service. A visitation will be held from 4-7 PM Sunday, March 30, 2014 at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home in Park Rapids.