KASTNER, Rachel R.

KASTNER, SCHUKNECHT, SPECHT, RASSEL, BLOCK

Posted By: Lynette Edsall (email)
Date: 10/31/2006 at 09:08:48

Cherokee Chronicle Times, Monday, October 30, 2006

Rachel R. Kastner, age 35 of Burnsville, Minn. and formerly of Marcus, died on Sunday, Oct. 15, 2006 at her home in Burnsville. Services were held Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2006 at 10:30 a.m. from the Peace Lutheran Church in Marcus, with the Rev. Donald Meyer, pastor of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Marcus officiating.

Burial is in the Marcus-Amherest Cemetery in Marcus, Iowa.

Memorials can be directed to the: Farmers State Bank in Marcus for the family.

Arrangements were under the care of the Gaudian-Eldridge Funeral Home of Paullina

Rachel Renae Kastner, the daughter of Donna (Schuknecht) and fathers, Dennis Specht and Steve Rassel, was born Feb. 15, 1971 in Cherokee. She received her education in Marcus-Meriden-Cleghorn schools, graduating in 1989. While in school she excelled in sports, being on the Marcus swim team, lettering all four years in volleyball, basketball, track, softball and receiving many honors. She was also involved in vocal music.

After graduation she worked at Casey's in Marcus. She lived in Sheldon working at Data Dimensions and later Estherville. She was united in marriage to Travis Kastner in Marcus. The last seven years, Kastner has lived in Burnsville, Minn., where she has been employed as Director of Operations and Marketing for Strategic Benefits Group.

Kastner was baptized on March 6, 1971 and later confirmed on June 2, 1985 at Peace Lutheran Church in Marcus. Kastner was known as a giving and caring person and always thinking of others. She was dedicated to her children, family and to her work. She enjoyed playing softball, volleyball, golfing, NASCAR and was a serious Dale Earnhardt Jr. fan.

Survivors include her children, Jeremy, Jessica and Jamee Kastner all of Burnsville; her mother and father, Donna and Dennis Specht of Marcus; and her father, Steve Rassel of Blue Springs, Mo.; a sister, Kyra Block and her children, Matthew, Brynt and Jenna Jo of Spencer; a brother, Jon and his wife, Heather Specht and their children, Britney, Nicole and Zack of Cherokee; grandparents, Sylven and Gladys Schuknecht and Chester and Midge Specht all of Cleghorn; her great-grandmother, Viviann Specht of Marcus; also aunts, uncles, cousins and other relatives and friends.

A Memorial Fund has be set up for Rachel Kastner. Donations may be dropped off at Farmers State Bank in Marcus.