Marvin Karst 1928 - 2026

A longtime resident of Great Bend, Kan., Marvin Karst, age 98, passed away on Oct. 15, 2026, in Mesa Ariz. He was born on March 7, 1928, in Galatia, Kan., to Benjamin and Freda Karst. He lived on a farm in Kansas and lived there until the age of 8, when his family moved to the town of Galatia.

Marvin had a lifelong love of baseball. A talented pitcher, he played for several baseball leagues and moved to Great Bend, Kan. to play baseball. Between various jobs, he even tried out for a professional farm team in Oklahoma.

On June 24, 1948, he married Violetta Oetken. Together they built a loving life and shared many wonderful years until her passing on April 26, 2011.

In 1954, Marvin started his own business, Marvin Karst Dirt Construction, which he proudly owned and operated for 27 years. He was also a farmer purchasing land during the time he owned his company. He retired and moved to Mesa, Ariz., in 1999.

He is survived by his daughter, Karen Karst-Hoskins, and son-in-law, Richard Hoskins; his granddaughter, Lindsay Hoskins Casey and her husband, Dillon Casey; and his great-grandson, Cameron Casey. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Violetta, and his parents.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, Nov. 16, 2026, at 2 p.m. at The Summit, located at 2415 S. Signal Butte Road in Mesa, Ariz. A separate graveside service will take place at Great Bend Cemetery in Great Bend, Kan., at a later date. Details regarding the date and time will be announced once arrangements have been finalized.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Mariposa Gardens Memorial Park & Funeral Home

6747 E. Broadway Rd.

Mesa, AZ 85206

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Nov. 5, 2026