Joann “Cookie” Carstens

Joann “Cookie” Carstens, 94, passed away on October 18, 2026. Born in Davenport, Iowa, in 1932 to Clara and Myron Bell, she married Manfred “Skip” Carstens in 1950. They shared 62 years of marriage before Skip passed away in 2012.

Cookie devoted herself to raising her children before later working at Chateau Knoll apartment complex. She eventually retired to enjoy being a grandmother, a role that brought her great joy.

Known as “Grandma Goofy” or “Grandma Cookie,” she was fun-loving, young at heart, quick to laugh, and known for her beautiful smile. A wonderful cook, she was famous for her banana bread, home-cooked roasts, and Sunday dinners. She welcomed friends and family with coffee and an open door.

Cookie loved garage and estate sales, studying natural remedies and herbs, and relaxing in the sunshine on her front porch. She also enjoyed mystery movies, though she often fell asleep before discovering the solution.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Skip; brother Jim Bell; sister Gloria Leander; grandson Aaron Carstens; and son-in-law Wade Steckel.

She is survived by her children, Don Carstens of Phoenix, Arizona; Candace Kuehl (Harry) of Carlsbad,California; and LuAnn Steckel (Jon Elliott) of Davenport, Iowa; and her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Cookie will be remembered for her kindness, hard work, laughter, and deep love for her family. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date.