Gerald Kastens 11/11/2018

Gerald H. “Gerry” Kastens, age 91, of New Richmond, died Sunday, November 11, 2018 at the Amery Hospital. He was born March 12, 1927 at his grandparents’ homestead in Osceola, WI, the son of Arthur and Viola (Brandt) Kastens. Gerry was baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in East Farmington, WI. A child of the Depression, his family finally settled in the New Richmond area.

In 1951, he married Virginia Gunderson at Redeemer Lutheran in Amery, WI. After he was discharged from the Army, they farmed and raised their five children near New Richmond. Gerry also worked for local ag-related businesses for many years, before starting Kastens’ Sales & Service, selling & servicing barn and feedlot equipment.

He loved his Lord, serving in many capacities at St Luke’s Lutheran Church, from Elder and Trustee to Coffeemaker and Dishwasher.

He loved playing cards, dancing and socializing with his family and friends.

If he saw the need, he worked to take care of it.

After moving to town in 1992, he worked part-time at WITC. From 1997-2006, he and Ginny traveled in their motorhome, working with Laborers for Christ, building churches, schools, camps across the country. Their last projects were in disaster relief following Hurricane Katrina and the flood in Grand Forks.

He is preceded in death by Virginia, his wife of 62 years; his parents, Arthur and Viola; siblings, Laddie Kastens and Della Mae Parker and Gordon Kleckner.

Gerry is survived by his children, Cyndi (Mylan Erickson) Kastens, Julie (Dennis) Wolterstorff, Mark (Kathy) Kastens, Steve (Connie) Kastens, Kaye “Charli” (Sam) King; grandchildren, Nate (Katie) Williams, Michelle (Mike) Cain, Mark Lee (Kaitlin) Kastens, Scott (Alex) Kastens, Libby Kastens (Geoff Bock), Mandy (Darren) Ingram, Zeke King, Orren King; great-grandchildren, Emma and Alice Williams, Alexis Smith and Kody Cain, Chelsea Ingram; Penny and Daisy Kastens; brother, Harold (Yvonne) Kastens; sister, Elaine (Gerald) Anderson; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A memorial service was held Wednesday, November 21, 2018 at 11 am at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church (365 W River Dr.) in New Richmond. Visitation was on Tuesday, November 20, 2018 from 6-8 pm at Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services (728 S Knowles Ave.) in New Richmond and on Wednesday from 10-11 am the church. Interment was in Calvary Cemetery in Deer Park. Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services of New Richmond.