Kasten,
David
David Delbert Kasten, age 75, of Gillett, passed away peacefully at the
family farm in Gillett, WI on Saturday, May 14, 2016. He was born on July
24, 1940 to the late Harris and Edna (Shepard) Kasten. He graduated from
Gillett High School with the Class of 1958. David married Kathleen McDermid
in Suring, WI on June 30, 1962.
David enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, raising black angus
cattle on his family farm, helping his children, grandchildren, nephews and
other 4-H exhibitors with their beef projects, working on tractors, cutting
wood and keeping an eye on things on Yarwood Road. He spent his early years
out of High School driving semi and then found his passion in life working
as a heavy equipment operator, starting with Boulanger Construction in 1967
and then working for Biehl Construction, Payne and Dolan and retiring from
Northeast Asphalt. David was a proud member of the Operating Engineers Local
139, Teamsters Local 75, and a lifetime member of the American and Wisconsin
Angus Associations. In his retirement, he enjoyed driving the water truck
for Seneca Foods. David was known for his strong work ethic, which he
instilled in his children and grandchildren. David touched many lives in his
own way with his sometimes off the cuff comments and candor, no one left the
room wondering what "Dave" thought.
David is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Kathleen, his son, Craig
(Amy) Kasten of Gillett, WI, daughter, Stacie Kasten of Barneveld, WI, and
his five grandchildren: Jessica, Lauren and Jacob Kasten and Kelsee and Kauy
Fargo, his six siblings, Harry (Nancy) Kasten of Cecil, Velma Yancy of Kiel,
George (Carol) Kasten of Columbus, KS, Leola Schneider of Gillett, Lynn
(John) Seiltz of Greenleaf; sister-in-law, Marge Kasten of Gillett;
brother-in-law, Wayne McDermid of Las Vegas, NV, sister-in-law, Sharon
Porter of Las Vegas, NV. David is further survived by many nieces, nephews,
other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his son, Scott Kasten, his parents, in-laws,
Walter and Arlene McDermid, his infant sister, his brother, Ernest Kasten,
brothers-in-law, Bud Yancy, Kenneth Schneider and Steve Porter,
sisters-in-law, Anita (Leo) Wawiorka and Patricia (Norbert) Hilbert, and his
favorite dog Foxy.
Visitation will be held at St. John Catholic Church in Gillett on Wednesday,
May 18, 2016 from 3 pm until the funeral service at 6 pm with Sister Marla
Clercx officiating. David will be interred in St. John's Catholic Church
Cemetery. We would like to celebrate David's life how he lived it, please
dress casually. Gruetzmacher Funeral Home in Suring is assisting the family
with arrangements. Online condolences can be expressed at
www.gruetzmacherfuneralhome.com
In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established.
The family would like to thank the kind staff from Unity Hospice, especially
nurses, Jean, Cheryl, Leah, Lisa, Jackie, Sam, Social workers, Emily and
Julie, and personal care giver, Cheryl, and Res-Care worker, Tony. All of
whom made David's last days very comfortable.
