Obituary for Leland W. Kastenschmidt

Born on September 26, 1930, in La Crosse to Herman and Wilma (Fischer) Kastenschmidt, Leland grew up on the family farm in the Town of Burns. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul's Ev. Lutheran Church in Bangor. A proud veteran, he served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War from 1952-1954. On April 19, 1958, he married Marlene Knudson at Mindoro Lutheran Church. Leland worked alongside his twin-brother, Lester, on their beloved family farm, a century-owned heritage, until age 65 when he and Marlene built a home in Bangor. After leaving the farm, he continued working part-time for Golden Hills Auction for eight more years.

Leland found joy in fishing, playing cards and cribbage, building bird houses/wheelbarrows, cracking hickory nuts, and mowing blueberry patches for Nancy and Jerry. His love extended beyond his family to the furry friends who brought him immense joy and comfort. He cherished every moment spent with his family and friends, from traveling to Hawaii, Alaska, Mexico, Branson, and Dominican Republic, and numerous bus trips, to celebrating special occasions, and visits from his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A highlight of his later years was participating in the Freedom Honor Flight in 2014 with his daughter Sandra, a tribute to his service in Korea. For over 60 years he was a dedicated member of the American Legion Post 40. Leland attributed his longevity to a pinch of fine-cut snus. His legacy lives on through the countless memories he shared with his loved ones.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Marlene; his two daughters and two sons, Sandra (Tom) Cavadini of Rockland, Kevin “Milo” (Pam) Kastenschmidt of Rockland, Sherie (Steve) Holzhausen of Bangor, and Kurt (Shawn) Kastenschmidt of Boone, IA; six grandchildren, Jason (Megan) Cavadini, Skylar (Mandy) Holzhausen, Caley (Brett) Rucker, Siera (Neil) Williams, Ashly (Erick) Conrad, and Alyssa Kastenschmidt; 11 great-grandchildren, Levi Cavadini, Milo and Alina Griswold, Alexsa and Ellianna Rucker, Adrianna, Noelle, and Sterling Holzhausen, Natalie and Madelynn Williams, and Colby Conrad; sister, Mary Hoff; sister-in-law, Doris Kastenschmidt; and sisters-in-law, Clarice (Roy) Koltermann, Judy (Ellis) Stetzer, and brother-in-law, Steve (Lynn) Knudson.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Donald “Casey” and Lester Kastenschmidt; sisters-in-law, Evelyn Kastenschmidt and Ardie Johnson; brothers-in-law, Harlan Hoff and Curtis Johnson.

A Christian Victory Service will be held on Monday, June 24, 2024, at 11 a.m. at St. Paul’s Ev. Lutheran Church, 401 16th Avenue North, Bangor. The Rev. Brock Groth will officiate. Burial will follow at the Burns Cemetery with military honors by the Anderson-Good American Legion Post 40 of Bangor and the United States Army Funeral Honor Guard. Friends may call from 4 until 7 p.m. on Sunday at St. Paul’s Ev. Lutheran Church and from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Monday at church.

A special thank you to RBI Caring Hearts and Hospice Touch for the loving and compassionate care provided to Leland and his family through the final days of his journey.

Fredrickson Funeral Homes and Crematory, Bangor Chapel, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.FredricksonFuneralHomes.com