Marie Kastens

Marie Kastens, age 87, of Merna, passed away Friday June 12, 2015 at Heritage Hall Care Center in Broken Bow. Funeral Services will be at 10:30a.m. Wednesday June 17th 2015 at the United Methodist Church in Broken Bow with Minister Kathy Salts & Millie Winkler officiating. Visitation will be from 6:00pm to 8:00pm Tuesday June 16th at Govier Brothers in Broken Bow. Burial will be in the Merna Cemetery. Alice Marie Hirsch was born February 14, 1928 to Fred “Fritz” & Alice (Michele) Hirsch of rural Merna. Marie attended a rural country school and graduated from Merna High School in 1946. She married Keith Kastens near Merna on February 5, 1950. To this union 2 sons were born, Larry & Garry. Her family was utmost importance. While raising her boys, Marie worked for several years at the Northwestern Bell Company until its closure in 1967; at which time the couple purchased the Anselmo Elevator from Carl Roos. She kept books at the elevator as well as was a waitress for many years at the Broken Bow Elks Lodge. Continuing to operate the elevator the couple purchased Scott’s Market in the mid 1980’s. She continued helping with both businesses until the couple sold Anselmo Elevator in 1996; at which time she retired. During her retirement, she did what she loved, chasing her grandkids. She attended numerous ball games and several music concerts. She bravely took all 6 grandchildren, in a mini-van to Lincoln to attend a concert by her favorite entertainer, Wayne Newton. It was during this concert trip where the bond between this woman and her grandchildren grew great. The grandchildren always looked forward to their annual “play day” to North Platte. They went to Cody Go Karts to ride the go-karts and all the bumper boats. Marie was proud to be a charter member of the Our Savior Lutheran Church in Broken Bow. Marie enjoyed participating in various church activities throughout the years. Additionally, she looked forward to coffee every first Monday of the month with her fellow telephone operators until she was no longer able to attend. Marie was an active long time member and a two term President of the Broken Bow D.O.E.S # 1688. She looked forward to attending the meetings and many activities as well as the yearly D.O.E.S. National convention with fellow D.O.E.S. members. Marie continued to be very active in her children and grandchildren’s lives until her health would not allow it. Marie is leaving behind her sons, Larry & Linda Kastens and Garry & Glenda Kastens of Anselmo. Also mourning her passing are her grandchildren, Lori (Shannon) Klein, Lonnie (Carmen) Kastens, Lynnett (Brandon) Paneitz, Matt (Marci) Kastens, Jodi (Vinton) Johnson, & Kelli (Brandon) Brueggemann. She is also survived by 14 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Keith, brothers Lagene & Wayne and a sister,