Delores Ardell Karsjens

Delores Karsjens, 94, passed away on Wednesday, September 10, 2025 in Albert Lea, MN. A funeral service will be held at 11am on Monday, September 15, 2025 at the Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home in Albert Lea, MN. A visitation will be held an hour prior to the service. Pastor Mary Iverson will be officiating.

Delores was born May 12, 1931 to Mark and Gena Peterson of Clarks Grove. Delores married Frank Neal on July 17, 1964 in Forest City, Iowa.

Delores worked alongside Frank as they ran the Starlight boys group home in Freeborn County for many years, being foster parents to over 100 boys. She then worked as a bookkeeper for Freeborn County.

Delores married Dwight Karsjens on Feb. 11, 1989. They enjoyed 36 years together traveling extensively. They also enjoyed serving with the Gideons, and being part of the Christian Motorcycle Association. She also enjoyed helping in Awana at Calvary Baptist and Sunday school at the Congregational Church in Hollandale, MN. Her faith in God was so important to her which was evident in the love she had for everyone she met.

Delores is survived by her husband Dwight Karsjens of Albert Lea, son Michael Neal of Albert Lea, daughter Mary Neal of Edina, son Kent (Lora) Karsjens of Clarks Grove, son Ryan (Karen) Karsjens of Geneva, daughter Kim (Stephen) Storvick of rural Twin Lakes, son Joel (Megan) Karsjens of Austin. Grandchildren Brianna Larcom, Neal Larcom, Brandon Neal (Kimberly), Amy Brand, Brian Karsjens, Amber Belote, Lacey Karsjens, Alyssa Rauls, Brandi Christenson, Levi Christenson, Jessica Hovde, Katie Karsjens, Josh Karsjens, Lily Karsjens, Annika, Eeva, Payton, Lauren and Nora Nelson. 21 great grandchildren, nieces & nephews. Sister Judy Gallagher, brother Dale Peterson (Joyce), sister Susan Kelly. Over 100 foster sons.

Delores is preceded in death by her parents, Mark and Gena Peterson, first husband Frank Neal, brother Riley Peterson, son Kerry Karsjens, grandson Adam Christenson, nephew Randy Peterson, brothers in law Dan Kelly and Jim Gallagher.

Delores’s family would love to express their gratitude to the amazing care she received at Prairie Senior Cottages and with Prairie Grace Hospice.

The service will be live-streamed, and can be watched below, or from the following link: https://youtube.com/live/UceDTw7drJY?feature=share