Rubie E. Kastner

Rubie Elsie (Pickel) Kastner was born on November 5, 1934, the daughter of Peter and Jane (Maas) Pickel on the family farm south of Schleswig. She was baptized on May 5, 1935, at the United Church of Christ later confirmed her faith on March 21, 1948, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Schleswig. She attended Otter Creek #9 country school and graduated from Schleswig High School with the class of 1953.

On June 7, 1953, Rubie was united in marriage to Rawlo Kastner at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Schleswig and to this union two children were born, Regina and Ross. They lived in San Diego, California, until Rawlo's honorable discharge from the United States Navy. At that time, they moved to a farm north of Schleswig and farmed from 1956 to 1996. Rubie worked hard helping in the field and with the livestock on the farm. She was also busy raising her children, keeping the house clean and cooking meals for the family. In 1982, they decided to move into Schleswig and build a home.

Rubie was a member of the United Church of Christ in Schleswig. She was a dedicated volunteer for the church music programs for many years. She was also a member of the VFW Auxiliary. In her earlier years, she loved riding horses and she had a favorite named Flash. She also enjoyed roller skating. Rubie and Rawlo spent time together bowling couples league and square dancing. She also enjoyed golfing and golf cart rides with the grandkids. She ensured her yard and garden were tended to. She also enjoyed caring for her flower beds. Above all, she cherished spending time with her family.

Rubie passed away on July 11, 2022, at the Reed Place in Denison at the age of 87 years, eight months, and six days.

Rubie was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Rawlo Kastner in 2012; and brothers: Bernhard Pickel, Richard Pickel and Wilbert Pickel. She is survived by her daughter, Regina (Bruce) Klahn of Scranton; son, Ross Kastner (Loretta Bendon) of Schleswig; five grandchildren: Rhiannon (Brandon) Long of Washington, Iowa, Tiff (Sean) Devine of Wheat Ridge, Colorado, Kayla Kastner of Denison, Krissy Kastner (Andrew Hege) of Dillon, Colorado, Tanner Kastner (Shelby Vick) of Kiron; six great-grandchildren: Kaylin Long, Adalyn Long, Ashlynn Long, Jaxon Hege, Jones Devine, and Jadyn Hege; sisters: Evelyn Stamm of Omaha, Beverly Rix of Manning and Dorothy (Larry) Rix of Des Moines; sister-in-law, Betty Pickel of Sac City; brother-in-law, Verdell (Marlyn) Kastner of Denison; several nieces and nephews; and many other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 13, 2022, at the Huebner Funeral Home in Schleswig. The funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. at the United Church of Christ in Schleswig with burial to follow in the Morgan Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the family and a donation will later be made in her name.