Obituary of Bernice Arlene Kasten

Bernice Arlene Heussman was born on December 9, 1926, to Ida (Focke) and Herman Heussman at their farm home near Blakeman, KS. She was baptized on Dec. 16, 1926 into the Christian faith. She was confirmed in March of 1940 at Trinity Lutheran Church north of Ludell, KS. Bernice passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 30, 2016, with her family at her side. Her entire elementary schooling was at the Enterprise School near the farm home. She attended high school in Atwood, KS, graduating in 1944. Bernice boarded in town during the school week, trading household chores for room and board. Her senior year she, along with her brother John, and neighboring cousin, was allowed to drive to school each day. They were given strict instructions to return home immediately after school was dismissed in order to help with the evening chores. After high school she worked as a store clerk until she married Alvin Kasten on October 1, 1947. To this union five children were born: Linda Carol, Robert Stewart, Patricia Joan, Lori Kathryn and Mary Jo. The couple moved to Colorado to a farm north of Seibert and in 1952 moved to the farm north of Vona where they lived until Alvin’s death in 2005. After Alvin’s death Bernice purchased a home in Flagler where she lived until 2014 when she moved to Aspen Leaf Assisted Living. Bernice spent many hours doing yard work and gardening. Summers were spent canning and freezing the abundant garden produce. Dried thistles were her nemesis and she mentioned many times in her journals how she detested them! She enjoyed attending her church functions. You could always count on her to bring her green bean and meatball casserole and homemade chocolate pie to the church potlucks! She loved a good game of cards and was involved with the Shilo women’s club and other various card clubs throughout the years. Bernice was preceded in death by her parents, husband Alvin, daughter Linda, son-in-law David Scott, and siblings: Elaine (Bob) Holle, Irene (Milton) Schmidt, John (Johanna) Heussman and Gerald Heussman and In-laws: Ed (Geneva) Kastens, Harry (Paula) Kastens, Frieda (Walter) Timm, Elmer (Mildred) Kastens and Charles Freise. She leaves to mourn, her son-in-law Larry Laubenstein of Concordia, MO., Son, Robert (Wanda) of Flagler, Daughters: Patricia of Hereford, TX, Lori (Dan) McCaffrey of Seibert, and Mary (Scott) Allacher of Flagler. Grandchildren: Kelly (Christine) Toner, Robert (Krista) Kasten, Lane Laubenstein, Craig (Fern) Kasten, Cindi Kasten, Jesse Laubenstein, Nathan (Emily) McCaffrey, Brittany (Craig) O’Hair, Jacob Allacher and Jared Allacher; and great grandchildren: Brittany Kasten, Jayden Kasten, Torie Laubenstein, Amber McCaffrey and Rylee O’Hair; Sister, Joan Freise, Sister-in-law, Elaine Heussman, Brother-in-law, Ted (Gertie) Kastens, and many nephews and nieces.