Gerald “Jerry” Arthur Kasten, 80, a Northland resident of Kansas City, MO passed away Monday, March 8, 2021 with his loving family by his side. Jerry was born January 19, 1941 to John and Angela (Pfeffer) Kasten in Morris, Illinois.Jerry was united in marriage with Sharon Allison on December 23, 1967 in Streator, Illinois.
Jerry was devoted to both his Lord, his family and he held a special place in his heart for the Blessed Mother Mary.
Jerry came from humble beginnings, always a hard-worker, which lead him to become a successful businessman and owner of J&S Tool and Fastner for 30 years; 1981 ~ 2009. He will be remembered as a loving family man, a wonderful provider, generous, kind, patient, and loving to all.
He enjoyed traveling, golfing, spending time at his lake house with family and friends, and mostly he loved spending time with Sharon, the kids, and grandkids.
He adored his nieces and nephews, and could always make them smile with a pat on the shoulder, a wink and smile, and a “hey Bub” or “hey sis.” He loved and was loved, and will be greatly missed by all that knew and loved him.
Jerry is survived by his loving wife, Sharon; three children: Joy Lynn Larson (Danny) of Kansas City, MO; David Michael Kasten (Susan) of Smithville, MO; Jill Lynn Zeil of Kansas City, MO; eight grandchildren: Caleb Murphy; Ashley Ellifrits (Sam); Tanner Zeil; Allie Murphy; Chase Kasten (Hayley); Nic Zeil; Katie Kasten; Cole Kasten; and a great-granddaughter, Kinsley Grace Kasten; one sister: Elaine Paulus and two brothers, Bill Kasten and Fran Kasten. He was preceded in death by both parents, a brother, Dick Kasten and son-in-law Bruce Zeil.
All services will be held on Saturday, March 13, 2021, at St. Therese Catholic Church, 7207 NW Highway 9, Kansas City, MO 64152. The family will receive friends and celebrate Jerry’s life from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. downstairs in the Wooldridge Center & Parish Hall, where a Sharing of Memories time will be begin at 11:00 a.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 12:00 p.m. Saturday at the church. Private burial will take place. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry. Arrangements are under the direction of the Meyers Northland Chapel in Parkville. Memories of Jerry and condolences may be shared at Meyersfuneralchapel.com.
**Please note, The Funeral Mass will be streamed live. The link will appear at the top of this page.
My deepest sympathy to all in the family. I know you are a family of faith and have the virtue of hope by that faith I send My prayers of comfort and and feel the loss of such a generous man.
FD/FG was a very special man to our family. We so appreciated the love and support he showed to me and the boys and we loved him dearly for that. Jerry will be so missed. We pray for comfort for your entire family. We hope the sadness is replaced by smiles thinking of all the good times you had together.
I am so sorry to hear about Jerry! My thoughts and prayers are sent out to his entire family. Jerry will be missed by all! He is keeping watch on his family ! He loved his family and it showed! He was always smiling at the family parties.
Uncle Jerry will be missed. He meant so much to so many and was a mentor to me. His patience and thoughtfulness are characteristics I try to portray and pass along to my kids. After hanging out with Uncle Jerry for a weekend in Tennessee, Braden (age 6) and Clara (age 4) would pray for him each night for almost a year and finish by saying, “he is the nicest human in the world.” To be honest I don’t know why they did this but young kids have great intuition about people and they picked up on Uncle Jerry’s kindness right away and became his prayer warriors.
We can’t wait to see everyone this weekend and share great stories and celebrate a remarkable person.
My condolences to the Kasten family. I have a lot of good memories from our youth. One,in particular, comes to mind. He used to give me a ride home from ISU and he would have me drive his car so he could sleep and one time I had to wake him because I had somehow managed to get us lost. He was angry and I was mortified. He was my neighbor and I loved his whole family. My prayers to all of his family and friends.
Alan and I are so very saddened by the loss of Jerry. We so enjoyed visiting with him at basketball games and parties. He was such a kind man. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.
You are already missed so much Jerry. Thank you for welcoming me and my kids into your family and home. Sharon and Jerry you are both such special people. I’ve always seen God’s presence in both of you. Rest In Peace you ornery cat! All my love to you Sharon, Joy, David, Jill and your families.
My condolences to you Sharon and your family..take heart dears,we loved Jerry very much but God loved him more and in 1st thessalonians chapter 5verse 16to 27..it says be joyful always,pray at all times be thankful in all circumstances.This is what God wants from your life in union with Jesus Christ..
Sharon and family, we were saddened by the passing of Jerry, and we send you our sympathy and love. We enjoyed being with you both on the few times that we were with you, and know that Jerry was a wonderful man. Our prayers are with you all.
Condolences to you and your family. Jerry will definitely be missed by everyone he has ever had any contact with. He was well liked and loved by all of us.
Thinking of you during this sad time.
Candice and I were saddened to hear of Jerry’s passing. I remember meeting Jerry at Lauren and Adam’s wedding and could tell in meeting him that he had a kind heart and wonderful spirit. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
We are saddened by this news! May his memory be a great comfort to all. Prayers and hugs to all of you. He was one of a kind!
Our times go back to St. Pat’s school and church in Seneca and then on to high school where we played a lot if basketball 🏀 together. We had great times then and after high school.. sorry for your loss, Sharon.
Our heart felt sympathy to Sharon and the Kasten family. Jerry will be missed by all. He was a giant of a beautiful man….always with a smile, love for all, and a fun, fun sense of humor. Sharon, you and Jerry were just one of the couples that everyone wanted to be with….always stood out in a crowd. Everyone could feel the love and faith that you both shared….and such a joy for everyone else to be a part. We will always remember the lovely times we got to spend with you both. Our love goes out to all the family now, and we know Jerry will be an Angel looking after his beloved family.
Love to you all,
Ruthie and VanDe
Sharon & family…..what a sweet man Jerry was. Joe & I will cherish always the time we spent together while cruising around Alaska. I pray God will wrap his arms around you during this time….I know he will be greatly missed. Hugs to you Sharon.
Dear Sharon ,Joy Lynn , Jillie, Dave,all the spouses and grands and Kensley, You all are the true testimony of The Father’s love!!! Dad is a great example if God’s love. My heart is breaking for you but rejoicing in the fact that he will be with Jesus for eternity!!! And we will see him again full and whole,perfect and content.
Jerry, bonus dad, you put up with a lot of shenanigans with me and #1 ,and you and mom always loved us no matter what we did ,or how long in-between we saw eachother!! You were there for Dustin and I. That gave us so much hope!! We loved sharing Bible study time , and I know I gleaned so much. Im lifting up all your loved ones in prayer, Fake kids( and you have many) included. My heart is with all of The Kastens and extended!!!
Sending all our love from Illinois. Uncle Jerry’s infectious smile and laugh will be missed. He always had a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye, and we loved to get big hugs from him whenever possible.
My Condolences to Sharon , Joy , David , Jill and the entire Kasten family. Jerry was great person and will be missed. On a more personal and lighter note – had some good times with the family and actually remember most of them! Jerry , we will get that loaf of bread someday!
Dear Sharon and family,
I am so thankful to have known Jerry. He was always so kind and welcoming to everyone! We had lots of fun and memorable times over the years and will always treasure those memories!
Jerry will be missed by all and I know that his presence in all your family activities will leave a huge void.
I am keeping you all in prayers and positive thoughts for healing your hurt and easing the pain. He will forever be in all our hearts!
With much love,
Penny Sutter
To Jerry’s family, I offer my heartfelt sympathies. We grew up in the postwar years and Jerry was my neighbor and best friend. It was a good time and knowing Jerry made it great. I think of those good times and Jerry often and was saddened by his passing. Jerry will always be in my memories.
Dear Sharon and family
We were so sorry to hear about Jerry. Our love and deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family. We have had fond memories of all our get togethers. Love and hugs. Mike and Pauline
The Hogan Family (DeAnna and Parents) are so very sadden by your lose. Jerry was a very special person that we all remember fondly. Dad’s weekend building the Zeta deck, our Father/Daughter weekend and dances, and Mizzou football games. They would not have been the same without him. Please know he will never be forgot. Our hearts, prays, and love are being sent your way.
May God bless him and you all,
DeAnna
Our hearts are with the whole Kasten Crew today! Jerry was such a gentle soul… he will continue to watch over all of you 💔