Richard C. Kasten

Richard C. Kasten, age 87, of Hazel, SD, passed away on Monday, April 15, 2024, at Estelline Nursing and Care Center. Funeral services will be at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, April 19, 2024, at Cornerstone Church in Watertown.  Pastor Bobby Postal will officiate. Music will be provided by Nona Clifford and Janet Struckman as organists.  The family is requested to meet at the church on Friday by 12:30 p.m. for a prayer service. This service will be live streamed via our website.

Visitation will be at the Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel in Watertown on Thursday from 5-7 p.m. and prior to services at the church on Friday.

Burial will be at Zion Kellerton in rural Hazel, SD. Military graveside honors will be conducted by Cook-Olsen Post # 217 of American Legion, Hayti, SD and Military Funeral Honors Team of the SD Army National Guard. Honorary pallbearers will be Estelline Nursing & Care Center Staff, Butch Enwell, Leland Susanka, David Halzworth and Stan Dunn. Active pallbearers will be Nick Kasten, Kasten Walker, Carson Walker, Josh Niemann, Terry Kasten and Bud Kasten.

Richard was born on January 5, 1937 in rural Castlewood, SD to Charles and Elizabeth (Aderhold) Kasten and lived there until he was 10 years old. He was 9 years old when his mother passed away, then a year later his father passed away. He lived with his older brother Milton and his wife Virginia until he was 14. He attended Oxford 4 in Thomas before moving to Hazel. A neighbor said he could find work at Alice and Walter Feind’s place milking registered Guernsey’s and doing farm work with the pigs and stock cows. Richard graduated from Hazel in 1955. He then attended SDSU for one year; however, had to milk every morning and night, driving back and forth. He enlisted in the United States Army and served two years in the far east, in Korea and Japan. When he was done, he came back to the farm.

On June 26, 1965, Richard married Peggy Iverson in Watertown, SD. To this union, four children were born: Rick, Jody, Kathy, and Charles.

Richard served on several boards, including the school board for six years, DHIA, elevator, church trustee, and cemetery. He belonged to the Hayti American Legion Post #217. He enjoyed playing cards, dancing, bowling, hunting, fishing, and going to ball games. He enjoyed family gatherings and being around his grandchildren. Richard was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. His family meant everything to him. He was a kind, caring, and happy person and saw the good in everyone.

Grateful for having shared in his life are his wife, Peggy, of 58 years (Hazel, SD); children, Rick (Lee) Kasten (Hayti, SD), Jody Niemann (Windsor, CO), Kathy (Gene) Walker (Norfolk, NE); 2 sisters-in-law, Jean (Bob) Bush, Janet (Rob) Sandbakken; 1 brother-in-law, Alan Shindledecker; 10 grandchildren; 1 great grandchild; 3 step grandchildren; and 4 step great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Elizabeth Kasten; his son, Chuck; his brother, Milton, and 3 sisters; 4 sisters in law; and 5 brothers in law.

Arrangements by Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel www.crawfordosthus.com Watertown, Hayti, De Smet, Bryant, Arlington, Lake Preston, Oldham.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Richard C. Kasten, please visit our floral store.