Obituaries

September 24, 1939 to October 12, 2024

ROYAL CENTER - Jeanette R. Kasten, 85, Francesville, passed away Saturday, Oct. 12.

Born Sept. 24, 1939, to Robert and Opal (Hineline) Hoffman, she faced the early loss of her mother in 1944. She was lovingly raised by Mildred (Fry) Hoffman, the only mother she truly knew. Jeanette graduated from Winamac High School in the class of 1957. She worked at a bakery and then as a telephone operator. She married Fred O. Kasten on July 18, 1958. He survives.

Jeanette Kasten

Also surviving are:
Craig (Carrie) Kasten, Winamac, Son
Steven (Brittni) Kasten, Winamac, Grandson
Great-granddaughters Audrey, Evelyn and Lillian
Christoper (Kayley) Kasten, Winamac, Grandson
Great-grandchildren Ellamae Kasten, Marshall Kasten and Jameson Kasten

Doug (Julie) Kasten, Medaryville, Son
Robert (Kate) Kasten, Wawaka, Grandson
Daniel Kasten, Monon, Grandson
Tobias Kasten, Great-Grandson.

Dawn Kasten, Winamac, Daughter
Blake (Brooke) Kasten, Winamac, Grandson
Paisley Kasten, Great-Granddaughter

Eldonna (Hoffman) Merritt, Sister
Bob (Becky) Hoffman, Brother
Mick (Carol) Hoffman, Brother
Jim (Fran) Hoffman, Brother
Numerous Nieces and Nephews

Proceeded in death by:
Annette Kasten, Daughter
Robert and Mildred (Fry) Hoffman, Father and Step-Mother
Opal (Hineline) Hoffman, Mother
Robert (Velma) Dommer Kasten, Father and Mother-in-law
Laverne Hoffman Wise, Sister
Sharon Devereaux, Sister
Frank Hoffman, Brother
Don (Dorothy) Beaver, Brother
Buck “Lawrence” Merritt, Brother-in-law

Mrs. Kasten and her husband were members of St. Luke's Lutheran Church of Winamac and together welcomed four children in four years. Fred worked in construction, and they lived in Winamac before moving to a farm in 1967 in Jefferson Township, where they began their farming journey with corn, soybeans and hog farming. Jeanette's dedication to the farm was evident in her hard work, often teasingly remarked upon as her arthritis Z-shaped finger were the molded shape of a tractor steering wheel or a feed bucket, but came in handy to fit around a golf club. She could out work anyone. She balanced her hardworking nature with a spirited approach to life. She was active in the church and taught Sunday School until her kids were older and formed great friendships with the other ladies of the church. She played in a women's softball team in Winamac until the age of 50, she was a rare person that could bat from right or left stance and was a great pitcher. She would go out in her back yard and pitch and play ball with the grandkids and great-grandkids, up until 2020 when Covid trashed her lungs and Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis finally took her. 

Jeanette and Fred enjoyed traveling around watching the grandkids wrestle. Then at the age of 60, the couple took up golf and had a membership at Moss Creek for many years. Playing on league, they also enjoyed traveling to various golf courses, forging strong friendships along the way. Their golfing group began to get smaller due to passing of friends. The Kastens also had always been active riding bicycles, but seemed to get more into as they aged, She had a bike she rode on the Panhandle Pathway and one for home on the old gravel roads. She could ride either one any time up until the end of 2020. Pretty good to be in your 80s and still pitching a softball and riding a bicycle. Jeanette’s (or Jean - her side of the family called her Jean) playful nature was a hallmark of her relationship with her children and grandchildren. She loved trading punches a tradition that continued with her five grandsons and even her great-grandchildren, despite the punches growing weaker over time, which was good, because it was all fun and games until someone cried (her favorite saying). Her culinary skills, especially her cinnamon rolls and homemade bread, made without a recipe, were legendary. The family was able to get her out of the country once on a vacation to Punta Cana, where she left her mark and everyone would chant “American Grandma” when she came down to enjoy the pool, a sign of fun times and great memories. She also swore she would never step foot on a plane again, and she kept that word. She disliked flying about as much as she feared snakes. She will be deeply missed for her sassiness, fun attitude, and love of playing cards. She leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter and cherished memories for her family and friends. May she rest in peace, and may her memory be a blessing to all who had the privilege of knowing her.

At Mrs. Kasten’s request, there will be no visitation or service. To celebrate her life, she asked friends and family to gather with loved ones, tell a story that brought a smile or laugh about her. 

In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Luke Lutheran Church of Winamac are welcomed. Send in memory of Jeannette Kasten to 721 S. Market St., Winamac, IN 46996.  

Mrs. Kasten’s online guestbook is available, and condolences may be shared with the family at www.ransfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Rans Funeral Homes & Crematory, Royal Center.