Jeanette R. Kasten

Jeanette R. Kasten, age 85, went home to be with the Lord on Oct 12th. Born on September 24, 1939, to Robert and Opal (Hineline) Hoffman, Jeanette 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. Worked at a Bakery and then was a telephone operator. On July 18, 1958, she married Fred O. Kasten. They were members of St. Luke's Lutheran Church of Winamac and together welcomed four children in 4 years, Annette (stillborn), Craig, Doug, and Dawn. 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. Jean's dedication to the farm was evident in her hard work, often teasingly remarks 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. 

Jeanette 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 grand kids 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 her and Fred took up golf and had a membership at Moss Creek for many years and played 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. 

Jeanette and Fred had always been active on riding bicycles but seem to get more into as they aged, Jeanette had a bike she road on the Panhandle Pathway and one for home on the ole gravel roads and could ride either one any time up until the end of 2020 when she got Covid. Pretty good to be in your 80’s and still pitching a softball and riding a bicycle. 

Jeanette 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. 

We were 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 keep that word. She disliked flying about as much as she feared snakes. Which my brother got a good whippin every time he hid a live one under the dog dish. 

Jeanette 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. She does not want a viewing or service, her heart was good with the Lord. And She isn’t going to make you clean up and go look at a corpse, nobody likes to do that! To celebrate Jean's life, get together with your loved ones, tell a story that made you smile or laugh about her, and have a lemonade Vodka, extra sour, in her words, it’s too sweet add some more lemon juice, and when asked if you need a refill her iconic answer would be, click of the tongue, and point, I AM SAVING ROOM FOR CAKE, Wink wink. 

May she rest in peace, and may her memory be a blessing to all who had the privilege of knowing her. 

She is Survived by: Fred Kasten, Francesville, IN, Husband of 66 years. 

Craig & Carrie Kasten, Winamac, IN, Son - Steven & Brittni Kasten, Winamac, IN, Grandson; Audrey Kasten, Great Granddaughter; Evelyn Kasten, Great Granddaughter; Lillian Kasten, Great Granddaughter; Christoper & Kayley Kasten, Winamac, IN, Grandson; Ellamae Kasten, Great Granddaughter; Marshall Kasten, Great Grandson; and Jameson Kasten, Great Grandson.

Doug & Julie Kasten, Medaryville, IN, Son - Robert & Kate Kasten, Wawaka, IN, Grandson; Daniel Kasten, Monon, IN, Grandson; and Tobias Kasten, Great Grandson.

Dawn Kasten, Winamac, IN, Daughter - Blake & Brooke Kasten, Winamac, IN, Grandson; and Paisley Kasten, Great Granddaughter.

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

Preceded in Death by: Annette Kasten, Daughter; Robert and Mildred (Fry) Hoffman -Father and Stepmother; Opal (Hineline)Hoffman -Mother; Robert & Velma Dommer Kasten- Father & Mother in law; Laverne Hoffman Wise, Sister; Sharon Devereaux, Sister; Frank Hoffman, Brother; Don & Dorothy Beaver, Brother; and Buck (Lawrence) Merritt, Brother in Law.

In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Luke Lutheran Church of Winamac are welcomed. Send in memory of Jeannette Kasten to 721 South Market Street, Winamac, Indiana 46996.  Rans Funeral Homes & Crematory is honored to be assisting the family. Jeanette’s online guestbook is available and condolences can be shared with the family at www.ransfuneralhomes.com.