Verdell Kastner

Verdell Edward Otto Kastner was born on March 20, 1928, to Gilbert and Rose (Schug) Kastner on the family farm south of Schleswig. He was baptized on May 6, 1928, at Friedens Church in Schleswig, confirmed on April 18, 1943, and graduated from Schleswig High School in 1946. He was a lifelong member of the United Church of Christ, where he served on the church council and other committees.

On November 27, 1952, Verdell married Marlyn Baker at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Stockholm Township. They were blessed with three children: Vanessa, Valerie and Mark. They lived on the family farm, farmed some of their neighbors’ ground and worked for Blume Bros. Blacksmith. Verdell raised livestock and especially enjoyed farrowing and feeding them out to market. He also operated a 7,500-hen laying house, selling eggs to various egg plants and friends. In addition, he sold Archer Oil for 30 years and served on the Morgan Cemetery Board for 20 years, helping with mowing and trimming.

Verdell was a very loving husband, father and grandfather. He and Marlyn enjoyed square dancing for many years and went on many trips together. Some of the highlights included taking the family to Disney World for Verdell’s 70th birthday and traveling to Hawaii for his 80th birthday.

Verdell and Marlyn moved to Denison in 2001, where they enjoyed having coffee with friends and doing yardwork. Verdell also developed a passion for Sudoku and putting puzzles together.

Verdell passed away at home, surrounded by his family, on Saturday, October 3, 2026, having attained the age of 98 years, six months and 13 days. In addition to his parents, Verdell was preceded in death by his son-in-law, Tom Hibbing; brother and sister-in-law, Rawlo and Rubie Kastner; and brother-in-law, Melvin Baker.

He is survived by his wife of 73 years, Marlyn Kastner of Denison; two daughters, Vanessa (Duane) Zimmer of Ankeny and Valerie (Robert) Johnson of Chandler, AZ; one son, Mark Kastner of Omaha, NE; four grandchildren, Aric (Keri) Zimmer of Underwood, Ben (Brittney) Hibbing of Mesa, AZ, Nicholas (Brooke) Zimmer of Ankeny and Jeff (Jeena) Hibbing of Gilbert, AZ; two step-granddaughters, Lisa (Todd) Eberle of Temecula, CA, and Kristen (Keith) Hoferman of Norwalk; 14 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Jeanine Baker (Ken Christensen); and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be held from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., with the funeral service beginning at 11:00 a.m., on October 8, 2026, at the United Church of Christ in Schleswig. Burial will be held at Morgan Cemetery in Schleswig.