Obituaries & Guestbook

Wilma G. Kasten, 96, of Sheboygan was peacefully called home to heaven after a battle with cancer on September 27, 2022, surrounded by her family. Wilma was born in Kohler, WI to the late Herman and Mabel (Kraedemann) Sasse on May 16, 1926.

She attended Kohler Grade School and graduated from Central High School of Sheboygan in 1945. After high school, she worked at Memorial Hospital and H.C Pranges Company. Wilma was united in marriage to Norman Kasten on June 24, 1950, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, where she is still a member. They were married just 18 days shy of 60 years before Norman preceded her in death on June 6, 2010. Wilma was his caregiver the many years he had Parkinson’s disease. After Norm’s death, she continued to live independently in their home for a total of 72 years. In earlier years, Wilma traveled, camped with her family, and volunteered at Bethesda, the Senior Center, and in various capacities at Bethlehem School and Church, where she was still a greeter up to the start of the pandemic.

Wilma kept busy in later years playing bingo and cards with her special friend Ann Marx and her buddies Betty Schuh, Dennis Ruppel, and Dale Ruppel, doing crossword puzzles and word searches, watching Hallmark movies, eating out, and was an avid reader. Her biggest joy was spending time with her family. Wilma will be remembered for her zest for life; her love of singing, music, and dancing; and her strong faith.

Wilma was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and brother Karl (Betty) Sasse. She is survived by her children Jim Kasten of Florida; Sandra Kasten (Eric Johnson) – their daughter Tammy Rueger, parent of Zachary and Joshua all of Sheboygan; Kim Kasten (Marlyn) of North Carolina – Marlyn’s son Aaron (Cheri) Gaitens, parents of Caleb and Morgan and Marlyn’s daughter Faye (Joshua) Guffey, parents of Henry and Gloria all of Missouri; Vicki Zimmerman – sons Jesten (Kimberly), parents of Nash and Jordy of Greenville, Wi and sons Jeremy and Jamin of Madison. She is further survived by her godchildren Bob (Bev) Sasse, Nancy (Scott) Kushnier, Phillip Kasten, also special niece Sue (Mike) Weinknecht, and other nieces and nephews.

A memorial service for Wilma will be held on Sunday, October 2, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 1121 Georgia Ave. Sheboygan, with Pastor Alan D. Kubow officiating. Family and friends may gather the church on Sunday afternoon from 12:00 p.m. until the time of service at 2:00 p.m. Burial will take place at Sunrise Memorial Gardens in the Town of Wilson.

The family would like to thank the staff at Sharon Richardson Community Hospice for their loving support, especially her home hospice nurse Kristin Shepherd.