Douglas Anthony Karsky

Douglas "Doug" Anthony Karsky passed away at his home on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at the age of 66. A Prayer Service will be held at 4:00 PM on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at Anderson Funeral Home with a visitation to follow until 7:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, October 2, 2025, at St. Mary's Catholic Church with visitation one hour prior to the service at the church and Recitation of the Rosary at 9:45 AM. Interment will follow the service at St. Mary's Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to St. Jude Children Research Hospital or to the Wounded Warrior Project.

Douglas Anthony Karsky, born on September 25, 1958, in Dickinson, North Dakota, passed away on September 24, 2025. He was the loving son of Laudie and Mary (Volesky) Karsky. At the age of three, Doug's family relocated to Clinton, Minnesota, where he grew up on the family farm and later graduated from Clinton High School in the Class of 1976. He pursued further education at Alexandria Technical and Community College, focusing on finance and credit, which laid the groundwork for his distinguished career in the banking industry.

In 1978, Doug moved to the Twin Cities area, where he began working for various branches of Community Credit Company. It was during this time that he met Teresa Scheffler, his bride to be. In November of 1980, Doug started in the banking system working for Summit State Banks in Richfield and Brooklyn Center, Minnesota. On August 28, 1982, Doug and Teresa were united in marriage at St. Mark's Catholic Church in Shakopee, Minnesota. In March of 1983, Doug wanted out of the twin cities area and the couple moved to Redwood Falls where he worked for Production Credit Association.

Doug and Teresa remained in Redwood Falls, their home for the next 39 years where they built a loving life together, grounded in faith and commitment to each other. In that time, they were blessed with three children: Michael, Melissa and Kristin. In July of 1985, Doug started working at Norwest Bank in Redwood Falls which eventually became Minnwest Banks. Along with building a family, Doug continued to excel in his field, earning a Bachelor of Science in Business from Southwest State and acquiring a Graduate Degree from a prestigious school in Boulder, Colorado. His career reached new heights when he became the CEO and president of Minnwest Bank in 2014, a role he fulfilled until a year before his retirement when he took on the role of director and advisor due to health issues. He fulfilled both roles with dedication until his retirement in 2024 after a commendable 44 years in the banking industry.

Beyond his professional achievements, Doug was an active member of his community. He served on many boards, including the Redwood Area Development Corporation, Redwood County Bankers Association, Lion’s Club, Rdwd Golf Club, Port Authority, Minnwest Corporate Board and the Chamber of Commerce, where he lent his leadership skills as president for a year. Doug was recognized for his contributions, making it onto the MN 500 List of Most Powerful Banking Leaders in 2019.Additionally, he was a member of Knights of Columbus, served on the St. Catherine’s Church Finance Council, and was an usher at the church. He also enjoyed being a part of the Traveler’s Club and being the doorman in his tuxedo and top hat for high school proms.

Family was at the heart of Doug's life. He played an integral role in the lives of his children, teaching them valuable life skills and instilling in them the importance of responsibility. Whether it was through coaching basketball, attending sporting events, or musical and dance activities, Doug was always there, demonstrating his unwavering support. He deeply cherished his grandchildren and loved his role as Grandpa. “When you’re with Grandpa, you can do whatever you want!” – including cookies for breakfast. He enjoyed life to its fullest, with hobbies that included riding his Harley Davidson to Sturgis, hunting at the family hunting shack in Clinton, and spending relaxing moments at his lake home on Lake Ida, which they built in 2015.

Doug had a vibrant personality, marked by his hardworking nature, humor, and love for the outdoors. He instilled values of hard work and responsibility in the younger generations, always pushing those around him to strive for their best. Doug loved the beach and cherished the memories created during vacations with his family. He also had a passion for hunting and fishing, taking many trips not just for the adventure, but to “provide for the family”—bringing home wild game and stories that became a part of his legacy.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Teresa; son, Michael (Kari) Karsky; daughters, Melissa (Justin) Zastrow and Kristin Karsky; grandchildren, Kamyn, Kaceyn, Koralyn, Makenzie, Mason, and foster granddaughter Rosie; brothers, Dale (Donna) Karsky, Donald (Patricia) Karsky, Darwin (Patti) Karsky, Daryl (Laura) Karsky; sisters, Deborah (Thomas) Stotesbery, Dona Pachan, and Delene (Doug) Reis; and many more relatives and friends. Doug is preceded in death by his parents, Laudie and Mary Karsky; sister, Diane Belling; brother-in-law, Ronald Pachan; and father-in-law, Ralph Scheffler.

As we remember Douglas Anthony Karsky, we celebrate a life filled with love, laughter, and meaningful contributions both personally and professionally. His legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire all who knew him.