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Harriet Judith ‘Judy’ Karstedt, 79

Harriet Judith “Judy” Karstedt, 79, of Hayden, Idaho, passed away Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2018, in Post Falls, Idaho. Judy was born July 5, 1939, in Elkhorn, Wis., the daughter of LeRoy and Maude (Schleger) Stoflet. She married the love of her life, Donald E. Karstedt, at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Burlington, Wis., on Dec. 20, 1958. They were married just shy of 60 years.

Judy was one of 14 children named alphabetically. The “H” in Harriet landed her in the middle of the sibling lineup. She worked with Don through college as a secretary for her father-in-law’s hardware business, which fostered a strong, loving bond with her father-in-law that would last until he passed. After moving to California, she served on the Ronald Reagan campaign when he was running for governor of California. She volunteered at the local high school and worked numerous years at Brother’s Glass shop after a move to Santa Ynez, Calif.

Judy’s lifelong love for music began as a child when singing with her sisters in church and around the house. She played guitar and inspired her family and others by teaching. She sang beautifully. She is commonly remembered for playing guitar and leading songs around the campfire. She loved to cook, growing her own ingredients from her garden, and it brought her immense happiness to cook for family. She even prepared treats for her husband, Don, to deliver to the community. Judy loved to sew and her family proudly wore her creations.

Harriet is survived by her husband, Don Karstedt; son, Don and wife, Susie; daughter, Trisha and husband, Robert; grandson, Jason and wife, Kimmy; granddaughter, Heather and fiancé, Matthew; and great-grandchildren, Dominik, Kyndelle and Leynna. She is also survived by brother, Bill (Judy) Stoflet; sister, Donna (James) Newhouse, and Gerry Stoflet, and many more.

Judy was very family-dedicated, especially to her children, and she followed grandchildren to live near them. She lived many places throughout her life, including Wisconsin, California, Denmark, Arizona and Idaho.

A memorial celebration of her life will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 16, 2018, at The Vine Church with Pastor Kevin Schultz officiating. Please send any contributions by check to The Vine Church, 9407 N. Government Way, Suite 1, Hayden, ID, 83835, or online at www.thevineidaho.org/

Yates Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of final arrangements.