John David "Dave" Kasten

John David “Dave” Kasten, 83, of Jackson, passed away on December 8, 2019 at Saint Francis Hospital in Cape Girardeau.

He was born July 28, 1936 in Jackson, Missouri to John M.C. and Ardena E. Lowes Kasten. John David was a member of Hanover Lutheran Church in Cape Girardeau. He was baptized August 16, 1936 and confirmed April 12, 1950 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Jackson.

John David met the love of his life and soul mate, Ruth O. Bodenschatz and married February 11, 1961 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Shawneetown, MO.

John David was a dedicated husband to Ruth, father of Robin (Harold) Scott, Diann Brotherton (Wade Randol), Quent (Kim) Kasten and Ryan Kasten. Grandfather of Jason Koch, Justin Koch, Jessica Powers, Kelvin Waller, Brock Kasten and Karly Kasten. Great grandfather of Kamden Powers, Aubriee Lou Powers, Bailey Koch, Aden Koch, Madelynn Koch and Laken Koch.

Most know John David was a serious entrepreneur and businessman. He and Don Sievers started Porta Wash in 1961 with the advice of his late brother in-law Ray Katt. He went to work at Kasten Masonry Sales, Inc as a truck mechanic on June 1, 1954. In 1978 Kasten Masonry began the hearth distribution.

John David became General Manager of Kasten Masonry Sales, Inc., Kasten Concrete, Carbondale Brick, & Block and Kasten Clay Products, Inc. in 1980.

Kasten began distribution and retailing spas in 1984 and added the above ground swimming pools in 1989. John David along with his crew of Raymond Cook, Mark Iliers, and Brad Thompson to mention a few who converted the brick kiln from natural gas to burning sawdust. Built the brick tumbler machine and started producing the Old Tumble brick line in 1989 which can be seen on homes all over the area.
John David retired as General Manager and Board president April 4, 2007 and remained on the KASTEN Board until 2017.

John David served in the National Guard 140th Infantry as a Supply Sargent from 1955 -1962. He was a charter member of Jackson Jaycees, member of Jackson Optimist club for a short time, served as a Board member of Capital Bank (Cape County Savings Bank) and Union Planters Bank, served on St. Paul Lutheran School Board and was an usher.

John David's favorite things were the good Lord above, fishing, any time he could get away, hunting and growing flowers in his greenhouse. His green thumb specialty was orchids, anthuriums, cactus, hibiscus and roses. He loved anything that bloomed colors.

He was preceded in death by his parents John M.C. and Ardena Kasten, three brothers Dr. Melvin (Mel) Kasten, Jim (Louise) Kasten and R.C. (Ruth Ann) Kasten.

Visitation will be at McCombs Funeral Home in Jackson, MO. Thursday December 12, 2019 from 4:00pm to 8:00pm and on Friday, December 13, 2019 at 10:00am until service time at Hanover Lutheran Church in Cape Girardeau.

Funeral service will be Friday, December 13, 2019 at 11:00am at Hanover Lutheran Church in Cape Girardeau with Rev. Steven C. Theiss officiating.

Burial will be at Russel Heights Cemetery in Jackson.  

In lieu of flowers the family has suggested to send contributions to Hanover Lutheran Church Building / Security fund or send to your favorite charity.

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