Richfield, Utah - Charles Rodney "Rod" Carstensen, passed away in Richfield on May 6, 2026. He was born on May 10, 1936 in Ogden, Utah to Charles Orval and Mary Lynn Jones Carstensen.

He grew up in Richfield, attending Richfield High School and continuing on to attend the University of Utah. He was involved in the Peace Officer standard training and also earned his Real Estate license. He was a member of the LDS church and involved with the Richfield community and holding positions including President of the Richfield Chamber of Commerce, Richfield City zoning adjustment board and member of the BPOE Richfield chapter.

He married Kathleen Jill O'Neill in Holladay, Utah on March 18, 1961. They later divorced.

Rod was a professional collector of antiques, jewelry and especially loved Native American art, rugs and jewelry. He served in the Army for 3 years, spending most of that time in Germany. He worked in the hospitality and food industry for most of his adult life. He started out working for the Hotel Utah in Salt Lake City, learning the industry and building his skills. In 1961 he took over the Johnston Hotel (later the Rodeway Inn). He opened "Slice 'em thins" restaurant (named after his dad) and later "Rod's Roost Lounge". He enjoyed seeing the locals, meeting passing through travelers at the hotel and feeding everyone delicious home-cooked meals. He made friendships that lasted his lifetime with patrons of the hotel and restaurant, and the many employees that worked there throughout the nearly 30 years he owned it. It was a family business and all of his children worked there as well. Rod also worked as a vocational instructor, chef for the department of corrections in Draper. He went on to sell Real Estate in Salt Lake City, Utah. Later in life, he moved to St. George and opened "Honest Ozzies Originals", this was a small antique collectible and jewelry store that he was happy to go to everyday. He loved all of the treasures there and it made him happy to see his items go to homes where they would be cherished. He taught himself to make jewelry. He liked to work with turquoise and opal, he would even work in an occasional fork or spoon to his masterpieces. He sold his original works at his store as well. Rod was one of a kind, original, eclectic and unapologetically himself. He always had a story, song to sing or joke to tell. He enjoyed traveling and made a friend everywhere he went. He will be missed by his family and friends.

He is survived by his three children: son, Casey (Yvette) Carstensen of Austin; daughter, McCall Carstensen-Loving of Richfield and son, Robby Carstensen of Richfield; 7 Grandchildren and 7 Great- Grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his daughter, Kelly Carstensen; parents, Mary Lynn Jones and Charles Orval Carstensen; sisters, Mary Jane (Neal) Mortensen and Patti Lou (Richard) Haslam; brother, Richard (Susan) Carstensen and grandson, Derek Carstensen.

Cremation graveside services with Military Honors accorded by the Utah Honor Guard and the Sevier Valley V.F.W. Post #5050 of Richfield, will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Tuesday May 26, 2026 in the Richfield Cemetery.

Cremation and burial services under the care of Springer Turner Funeral Homes of Richfield and Salina, Utah.