Roger W. Kasten, 83, of Shawano, passed away on Thursday, April 18, 2024, at ThedaCare Medical Center in Shawano, surrounded by his family.
Roger was born on Dec. 7, 1940, in Bowler, the son of Arthur and Esther (Moede) Kasten.
On Dec. 7, 1964, Roger was united in marriage to Pearl Brennecke in Dubuque, Iowa. She preceded him in death on Oct. 13, 2018.
Roger and Pearl owned and operated the family dairy farm in Bowler for many years. Roger’s strong work ethic showed in the many jobs he held. He was employed at Buelow’s Cheese Factory in Bowler while still operating the family farm. After farming, he worked in the woods as a logger but found his true passion in driving semi-truck. He drove over the road for Hoffman Transit, Joy Trucking and Brock Trucking LLC, then became an owner operator of Kozy Kabin Karriers LLC, where Pearl and he enjoyed traveling the states together before trying retirement.
Retiring was something Roger could never do, so he started driving part time for his son-in-law, Kirk, at Summertime Trucking LLC. During this time, he hauled potatoes, beans and various grains, but what he looked forward to most was hauling the tractor and grain cart out to Montana for the fall harvest. This is where he found the most joy. He loved seeing the beauty of Montana’s mountains and endless fields of grain.
Other hobbies included hunting, and fishing, while in his younger years, he enjoyed bowling and playing old timers’ softball.
Roger loved spending time with family and going to auctions with his cousin, Charles Moede. The two were always on the hunt for the next best find, which is evident in all the treasures he brought home. He could also be seen walking around the Shawano County Fair every Labor Day weekend, sampling all the fair food, listening to the polka music at Presidents Park or just walking around the cattle barns. It became a family affair to sit and have a few beers and laugh at all the stories that were shared.
“Daddy, we love you. You taught us to work hard, pray often and to support each other no matter what. Family always came first for you, and you have instilled that in each one of us. We will do our best to make you proud each and every day.”
Roger is survived by five children, Terry (Vickie) Kasten, of Kronenwetter, Tammy (John) Crowell, of Wittenberg, John (Lori) Kasten, of Birnamwood, Victoria (Kirk) Malueg, of Wittenberg and Kristin (Jeremy) Kasten-Kania, of Wittenberg; 14 grandchildren, Tanya (Zeke) Jones, Jamie Lecher, Jessica Kasten, Kassandra Kasten, Terra (Logan) Calmes, Dakota (Dan) Crowell-Schemenauer, Chase (Amy) Crowell, Kyle Fandrey, Sawyer Malueg, Noah Malueg, Holden Kasten, Joshua Kania, Grissom Kasten-Kania and Cohen Kasten-Kania; 12 great-grandchildren; five siblings, Betty Ann Bowers, Fred Kasten, Judy (Chuck) Aldrian, Marie (Ted) Salgado and Esther (Mike) Wiercinski; brothers-in-law, Pedro San Diego and Carl Brennecke; sisters-in-law, Jeanne Michaletz and Carol Brennecke; and many nieces and nephews.
Roger was preceded in death by his parents, Art and Esther; parents-in-law, Otto and Ethel Brennecke; his wife, Pearl; two sisters, Ruthie San Diego and Suzanne Kasten; brother, Robert; twins Dolly and Daryl, all in infancy; brothers-in-law, John Bowers, Vern Tourtillot; James Fonder, Dean Michaletz and Robert Brennecke; sisters-law, Jane Kasten, Lorena Brennecke and Betty Fonder; great-grandchildren, Kyleigh and Gavin; and nephew, Troy Tourtillot.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Schmidt and Schulta Funeral Home, Wittenberg. The Rev. Tom Myhre will officiate. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery in the Town of Hutchins. Visitation will be on Saturday from 9 a.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home.
Memories and messages of support may be shared at schmidtschulta.com.
Roger W. Kasten
