Michael Wayne Kasten passed away Friday, Feb. 19, 2021, at Ratliff Care Center after a brief illness.
Mike was born Oct. 12, 1947, in Cape Girardeau to the late Ralph and Carlene Kasten.
Mike graduated from Jackson High School in 1965. He served honorably in the Missouri Army National Guard and graduated from Southeast Missouri State in 1972. He was a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity.
Upon graduation he worked at Southeast Hospital as a respiratory therapist and was an administrator at Chaffee (Missouri) Hospital. Chaffee Hospital is where he met the love of his life, Mary. They were married on April 7, 1979. After Chaffee Hospital closed, Mike and Mary moved to Pensacola, Florida, where he was administrator of the Northwest Florida OB/GYN Foundation.
They returned to Jackson in 2005 to take care of Mike's aged parents. After retirement, he enjoyed substitute teaching at Jackson schools, until his wife became ill and he became caregiver for her. He most recently attended First Presbyterian Church in Jackson.
Mike is survived by his wife of 41 years, Mary Kasten; three stepchildren, Lorri Brownen of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; John (Doris) Thomas of Gulf Breeze, Florida; and H. Stephen Thomas of Jackson; sister, Linda (Mark) Slade of Pacific, Missouri; nephews, John Kellogg and Jason Kellogg; brother-in-law, Steve (Patricia) Golden of Jackson; sister-in-law, Kristi Golden of Ohio; grandchildren, great-grandchildren, cousins and many friends.
There will be a private graveside service at a later date.
Memorials may take the form of contributions to Jackson R-2 School District Foundation in Mike Kasten's name and sent to 614 E. Adams, Jackson, MO 63755.
Ford and Sons Funeral Home in Jackson is in charge of arrangements.
Online condolences may be shared at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.
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