It is with sorrow and gratitude that we mark the passing of Arlene Kasten, 90, — sorrow at the loss, gratitude for the life.
A life remembered begins, simply, with the telling.
Arlene entered this world in 1928 — the start of a journey that would span 90 years.
Arlene held deeply to the Methodist faith — and was, by all accounts, loved by those who knew her best.
The traditions Arlene loved will continue to hold those she loved.
Arlene Kasten, 90 and member of the "28" club, died Wednesday, October 17, 2018 at the Sanford Hospice Cottage in Sioux Falls. A Celebration of Life will be at 1:30 PM Friday, October 26, 2018 at the United Methodist Church in Parker. Visitation will be from 5:00-7:00 PM Thursday, October 25, 2018 at the church. Arlene was born June 24, 1928 to Lellan & Lily (Kunkel) Benney at her Grandma Anna Kunkel's home northeast of Parker. As a child she grew up on a farm southeast of Parker and attended Finley District #8 country school and Parker High School, graduating in 1946. After attaining a teaching certificate from General Beadle, Madison, SD, Arlene taught in a country school for one year. On May 29th, 1947, she married Leland Kasten and farmed together for 64 years north of Parker. Arlene loved the outdoors: growing up with horses, feeding baby calves, driving tractor, gardening and always growing more than what she needed so she could share the bounty with friends and neighbors. She was a member of the neighborhood Garden Club, which always required a tour of the flowerbeds and lunch served on snack trays, accompanied by sugar cubes for the egg coffee. She loved every flower, especially lilies, and enjoyed sharing cuttings and exchanging flower bulbs. On the farm, baking for hungry hired men, silo fillers, or neighborhood teenagers were a necessity. Arlene loved baking pies and trying new recipes as well as canning the produce from her garden. She delighted in quilting patterns, fabrics, and setting a beautiful table. An important part of Arlene's life was serving as a 4-H leader and a judge for the State Fair and several counties. Highlights of 4-H included trips to Washington DC and Canada. She was active in the SD Homemakers Extension Club. As a member of the Parker Methodist Church, she taught Sunday School and served on several boards & committees including United Methodist Women. Arlene felt a close sisterhood with her "1928'ers" as they shared coffee and life together every Wednesday morning at the bakery. Survivors include her son, Phil (Kay) Kasten, Parker, SD; daughters, Marj (Glen) Wollman, Freeman, SD; Carol (Curt) Rasmussen, Lucan, MN; grandson, Christopher (Missy) Kasten, Haven, Jackson, and Mason (great grandchildren); grandaughter, Erinn (Mike) McGarry and baby; sisters, Nory (Eldon) Johnson, Vermillion, SD; and Ardith (Jim) Otten, Little Rock, AR; brother-in-law, Loren Kasten, Mitchell, SD; and many nieces, nephews and friends. Arlene was welcomed into heaven by her husband of 64 years, Leland Kasten & their son Godfrey John; great grandsons, Liam and Donovan McGarry; sister, Jeannine Stolaas; brothers-in-law, Harlan Hanson and Ray Stolaas.
