STEELEVILLE, LaVern M. Bodeker Karsten, 82, of Steeleville, passed away at 4:35 PM Saturday, November 29, 2014, at Freeburg Care Center in Freeburg, Illinois. She was born October 2, 1932 in Steeleville, Illinois the daughter of Rudolph and Marjorie (Blake) Fraembs. LaVern married Ralph F. Karsten on Saturday, July 23, 1977 in Chester, Illinois. Ralph passed away on February 27, 1998. LaVern was retired from Gilster Mary Lee. She was a member of Peace Lutheran Church, Steeleville, IL. She is survived by her 3 daughters: Marilyn (Mike) Bodeker Tackett, Marissa, IL; Patty (Don) Bodeker Gibbs, Peru, IN and Denise Bodeker Caudle, Collinsville, IL; 1 Stepson: Fred (Joyce) Karsten, Oklahoma City, OK; Blended Daughter: Lela (Darrell) Kirkman, Marissa, IL; 11 Grandchildren and 21 Great Grandchildren. LaVern is also survived by 1 Brother: Norman Fraembs, Chester, IL and 1 Sister: Eunice Huch, Belleville, IL. LaVern is preceded in death by her parents, 1 Grandson, Cory Hargis and 1 Stepdaughter, Patsy Niemeyer. Funeral services will be held Saturday, December 6, 2014 at 11:00 AM at Peace Lutheran Church, Steeleville, Illinois with Rev. S. Blake Duncan officiating. Burial will follow at Peace Lutheran Cemetery, Steeleville, IL. Visitation will be at Wilson's Funeral Home on Friday where friends may call from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM and on Saturday from 10 to 11am at the church. Memorials may be made to Southern Illinois Hospice or Peace Lutheran Cemetery Fund.