Ralph Kasten

Ralph Aaron Kasten, 90, of Jackson died Sunday, Dec. 4, 2005, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau.

He was born Dec. 15, 1914, at Oak Ridge, son of Theodore Emanuel and Annette Willer Kasten. He and Carlene Hoffmeister were married Aug. 3, 1946.

Kasten was owner and operator of John Deere Implement Co. until 1980. He was a member of First Baptist Church, Altenthal-Joerns American Legion Post 158, Scottish Rite, Eastern Star Chapter 91, and member and past master of Excelsior Lodge 441 AF&AM. He was a former member of Jackson Evening Optimist Club.

He served in Northern Africa with the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II.

Survivors include his wife; a son, Michael (Mary) Kasten of Brewton, Ala.; a daughter, Linda (Mark) Slade of Pacific, Mo.; a sister, Lenore Nye of Rochelle, Ill.; seven grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by two sisters.

Friends may call at Cracraft-Miller Funeral Home from 4 to 8 p.m. today. A Masonic service will be held at 7.

Graveside service will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Russell Heights Cemetery in Jackson, with military honors to be conducted. The Rev. Carter Frey will officiate.

Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church.