Ina Louise Carstens, of Burwell passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at her home in Burwell, Nebraska at the age of 91.

Ina Louise was born on January 5, 1935, at Tryon, Nebraska to William “Bill” and Marjorie (Neal) Smith. Ina spent her early childhood in Tryon before relocating to North Platte at the age of ten and continued her education in Tryon.

Ina and Stanley Paul were united in marriage on April 20, 1952, at North Platte, Nebraska. They made their home in North Platte and welcomed seven children, Bob, Susan, Stanley, David, Kevin, Ron and Randy. The family resided in several different states after Stanley began a career in construction in 1966.

While Ina was living in Ericson, she met Norris Carstens and they were married on January 14, 1974, in Wolbach, Nebraska. Together, they owned and operated the Wolbach Bar for eleven years. Eventually, they moved to a ranch near Ericson before settling in Burwell in 2004. Following Norris's death in 2014, Ina remained in Burwell where she made her home until her passing.

Ina was confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church on April 4, 1990, and remained a dedicated member.

Ina loved the outdoors and tending to her yard and garden. She found great joy in baking and cooking for her family, doing crossword puzzles and playing cards, especially blackjack.

Survivors include four sons, Bob (Jane) Paul of Tekamah, Stanley Paul of North Platte, Ronald Paul of Maxwell and Randy Paul of North Platte; daughter, Susan Oppegard of Omaha; two step sons, Dan (Sabrina) Carstens of Ericson and James Carstens of Hastings; step-daughter, Ruth Anne Carstens; step-daughter-in-law, Tammy Carstens; twenty-two grandchildren; numerous great grandchildren; four great great-grandchild; five brothers, Neal (Peggy) Smith, Ronald Smith, Melvin (Sharon) Smith, Donnie (Jan) Smith of Spokane and Douglas (Becky) Smith; and one sister, Naomi Bertone.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Norris Carstens; two sons and three daughters-in-law, David Paul, Kevin and Dwana Paul, Linda Paul and Brenda Smith; two stepsons, Timothy and Robert Carstens; a granddaughter, Chelsea Paul; one sister, Jean Shirley; and former husband, Stanley Paul.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, March 2, 2026, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Burwell. Pastor Tim Reicks will officiate. Visitation will be held on Monday at the church beginning at 10:00 a.m. until service time.

Inurnment will be held at a later date in the Cottonwood Cemetery at Burwell, Nebraska.

Memorials are suggested to St. John’s Lutheran Church.