Marissa Marie Carstensen

Marissa Marie Carstensen, 12, of Elkhorn, passed away on April 7, 2026. She was preceded in death by her dad, Kevin Carstensen; Grandpa Roger Britten; grandparents Deb and Steve Uarich; and her special aunt, Bootsie. She is lovingly survived by her parents, Jenna and Dane Uarich; her sisters, Leah Carstensen and Berkly Uarich; grandparents Jim and Joan Carstensen of Lincoln, NE, and Pam Britten of Elkhorn; uncles Brian (Amanda) Britten and their children Abigail and Allison; Chad (Lisa) Carstensen and their children Emily, Henry, and Myles; and Craig (Becca) Carstensen and their children Breckyn, Casen, and Kyler. She is also survived by her special friends Lily, Annabelle, Kinley, and Elise, and her beloved dog, Teddy. Marissa was born on April 29, 2013, in Lincoln, NE. From day one, she was the most perfect baby. As soon as she could toddle around, she developed a deep love for animals, especially dogs. Her first word was “puppy,” and her dream was always to become a veterinarian. She cherished her purple elephant, which she carried everywhere for many years and still slept with each night. Marissa had an incredible artistic talent and a passion for creativity. She loved art classes and was talented beyond her years. She loved exploring new techniques and was always eager to learn and create. She especially enjoyed making special gifts for her best friends. There truly wasn’t anything she couldn’t make, as her imagination was boundless. She also enjoyed playing volleyball and making new friends. This year, she tried show choir for the first time and absolutely loved it. Marissa adored every shade of blue and brought brightness wherever she went. She especially loved spending time with her sisters, building Legos together and doing puzzles. Her favorite was beating grandpa in a game of marbles. She also loved being with her friends, riding scooters, building forts, and making the most of every moment together. One of her favorite things to do was take Teddy on walks. Anyone who knew Marissa loved her, and she left a lasting impression on everyone she met. She had a smile that lit up every room and a positivity that touched everyone around her. She was a wonderful student and an avid reader, often finishing books faster than anyone else. She especially loved the Harry Potter series and was thrilled to visit Harry Potter World at Universal Studios this past summer. Marissa loved going to the beach, where she enjoyed collecting seashells. She and Dane made it a tradition to go scuba diving on vacations, which she always looked forward to and cherished deeply. She also treasured the annual girls trips with beloved friends J.J., Kiki, and Bryn Reese, which were always filled with fun, laughter, and unforgettable memories. Marissa will be so deeply missed and forever loved. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, April 18, at the Relevant Center in Elkhorn, with visitation one hour prior to the service. A luncheon will follow. Inurnment will take place at Prospect Hill Cemetery in Elkhorn. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the family for later designation. To honor Marissa, the family kindly invites attendees to wear a shade of blue.

Marissa Marie Carstensen

April 29, 2013 - April 7, 2026