October 23, 1945 was day one of Arnold’s journey on this earth, just as the Lord had planned. He was placed into the tender care of his parents, Emil and Evelyn Carstens.
In his childhood he would be introduced to his Savior upon his baptism in the Lutheran faith at Immanuel Ev. Lutheran Church Manitowoc, Wisconsin.
As a child, he grew in that faith as he attended Immanuel Lutheran School. Arnold also grew in his love for the land and animals. He was a farmer for his entire life. Arnold learned the land like the back of his hand. When there was extra work on the farm, he frequently chose to help with the turkey raising and with the dairy end of the farm versus a day at school sitting at a desk.
Upon his graduation from Lincoln High School in 1963, he answered Uncle Sam’s call to service during the Vietnam era. He fulfilled his duty in Asmara, Africa as a cook for the communications unit. Learning first hand what the people of Ethiopia called life, opened his eyes to the luxury life Americans lead. During his years in the military, Arnold received mail from the neighbor girl that drew him closer to her. As grade school children they had their share of snowball fights and face washings, as well as many family visits and day to day joys. Arnold and this girl’s brother, Bob Eberhardt, were friends and enjoyed school functions together. Soon it became obvious that God’s plan was to join that girl, June, now a lady, and Arnold, together in marriage on July 24th, 1970. June and Arnold were blessed with three children, Nancy (Matthew) Butterfield, Jonathan Carstens, and Karen (David) Kratz . They also have seven grandchildren, Hallie, Claire, Cole, Silas, Marcellas, Julian, and Aiden Butterfield. Arnold was blessed with two sisters, Diane (Steve) Kortens and Caroline (Jerry) Fischer. He will also be missed by his friend and brother-in-law and his wife, Robert (Patricia) Eberhardt. Uncles, aunts, nieces and nephews also held a special place in his life. Family news and happenings were important events. Sometimes the littlest time spent with one of the family was a favorite part of his day.
God’s plan is always perfect. Living the plan comes with its struggles, but the knowledge of heaven is waiting and ready for each of us. In keeping with God’s plan, Arnold was called to his heavenly home on October 14, 2026, at the age of 80, to enjoy the tender care of his Lord and Savior in Heaven. His family here on earth rejoices for him to join his Heavenly Father and the loved ones that went before him, his parents, Emil and Evelyn, in-laws, Harry and Elaine Eberhardt, along with uncles, aunts, cousins and friends.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 17, 2026 at Immanuel Ev. Lutheran Church, 916 Pine Street, Manitowoc with Rev. Matt Zimpelmann officiating. Burial with military honors accorded by Drews-Bleser American Legion Post 88 will follow at Evergreen Cemetery. The family will greet relatives and friends at Immanuel Ev. Lutheran Church on Saturday, October 17, 2026 from 9 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.comArnold had often wished that his heart would function better. Therefore, if you feel compelled to give a memorial to the American Heart Association to help more struggling with heart issues, that would be wonderful. Also, Navarro Farm, farming with individuals with special needs is very near and dear to his heart since his grandson enjoys the program so very much. You can check it out with the following link: https://www.navarrofarm.org/
Looking back on his last days he would further like to thank the Aurora At Home team, Nicole, Chrissy, and Diedra. The team from Sharon Richardson Hospice, Sammie, Rachel, Marshal and many other team members, put a face to compassion. God certainly blessed him with care and compassion from both of these teams.
The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, North 11th and St. Clair streets, Manitowoc is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.
