Services for Carsten Birkeland

Carsten M. Birkeland was born October 15, 1929, in McIntosh, Minnesota, to Tjostov and Amanda Birkeland.  He had one brother, Galen, who served in the U.S. Army and died in 1951 during the Korean War. After graduating from McIntosh High School in 1947, Carsten attended Bemidji State University before enlisting in the U.S. Air Force. After completing his service as an airplane mechanic, he enrolled at the University of North Dakota, Grand Forks.  Carsten graduated on February 1, 1958, with a degree in Business Administration.

Upon graduation, Carsten worked in several different positions for the State of Minnesota.  On August 11, 1967, he married the love of his life, Marion A. Syrtvedt.  They lived for one year in Richfield, MN, before settling into their home in Bloomington, MN.  Carsten eventually took a position as an auditor with Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Minnesota, where he worked until his retirement in 1987.

Throughout his life, Carsten enjoyed travelling, with Marion by his side.  He loved spending their winters golfing in California and Arizona, but his favorite trip was when they were able to visit his relatives and family homestead in Norway.  Being the grandson of immigrants, Carsten’s Norwegian heritage was always a source of great pride for him. Carsten will always be remembered for his exceptional golf game, his thoughtfulness, his love and care of Marion, his dry wit and his deep faith.  He was a true gentleman, and will be missed and lovingly thought of by so many.

Memorials may be directed to the Radio Ministry of Mt. Olivet Lutheran Church, Minneapolis, MN.

A memorial service to celebrate Carsten’s life will be held on Monday, June 19th, 2017, 11:00 am, at Mt. Olivet Lutheran Church in Minneapolis, MN.  Memorials may be directed to the Radio Ministry of Mt. Olivet Lutheran Church.