Marion Lee Kasten
Marion Lee Kasten, 82, of Winamac, passed away at Community East Hospital in Indianapolis on July 25, at 7:35 p.m. Marion was born at home in Jefferson Township to Robert and Velma (Dommer) Kasten on June 7, 1941.
On April 27, 1963, in Medaryville, he married the love of his life Wilma Jean Ritchie of Rensselaer.
Marion was a graduate of Winamac High School and lived his entire life in Pulaski County. He served as deputy Sheriff under Milo Lewis, before going to IU Bloomington Campus for additional training. He also served a term as Pulaski County Commissioner. Marion worked in the construction industry doing everything from a “hammer head” to project superintendent during his 38 years. He continued to farm part time during his earlier years and undertook other part time employment opportunities before becoming a proud member of the National Carpenter’s Union.
Marion enjoyed watching his family mature and advance in life. He enjoyed his morning McDonald’s coffee time, gardening, tinkering with projects at his farm shop and playing cards with his friends. His favorite time was being with his family playing marbles and being together. Marion’s religious affiliation was with the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod in Winamac.
Marion is survived by his wife of 60 years, Wilma Jean Kasten; one son, Otto L. [Tammy] Kasten of Francesville; two daughters: Vonda K. [Ken] Nush of San Pierre and Tina S. [Santiago] Baca of Winamac. He has 12 grandchildren: Seth [Heather] Kasten, Tara [Justin] Wrin, Cole Hendryx, Quest Fritz, Merissa Fritz, Tyler Nush, Ryan Nush, Andrew Kasten, Alana Kasten, Dolores [Willie] Dennis, Chago Vaca and Kassandra Vaca. He has six great-grandchildren, one great-great grandchild and two brothers: Eugene [Sherry] Kasten of Spooner, Wisconsin, and Fred [Jeanette] Kasten of Francesville.
He is preceded in death by his parents: Robert and Velma Kasten; one granddaughter, Tabetha Nush; and one brother, William Kasten and his wife Deb.
Visitation was on Saturday, July 29, from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. (Central) at the Jackson Funeral Chapel in Rensselaer with services immediately following at 1 p.m. The burial was at the Oak Grove Primitive Cemetery in Jasper County.
Any memorial contributions may be given to: Oak Grove Primitive Cemetery Administration, Atten: Milli Howard, 419 Smith St., Rensselaer, Indiana 47978.
(Pulaski County Journal — Aug. 9, 2023)