John Carl Kasten, 70, of Wausau, WI passed away peacefully on Monday April 6th after a brief stay at Aspirus Hospital.
John was born in Wausau, Wisconsin in 1955 to Alvin "Al" and Lucille "Lou" Kasten. He was a student at Wausau East High School. After high school he had various jobs but ultimately settled into a life of Truck Driving, working for various companies throughout the greater Wausau area over the course of his career. There wasn't a stretch of the US Interstate Highway System that he didn't know like the back of his ever-tanned hand.
John was hard-working, generous and good for a joke, be it appropriate or not. He cared deeply about the people in his life and was always willing to lend a helping hand. He loved his family and the city where he was born and was always up for a game of cribbage.
John could be stubborn at times and was not afraid to give tough love. He was very thankful for his sobriety, often encouraging others to evaluate their relationship with alcohol. He worked hard to maintain his sobriety and his family is tremendously proud of this achievement. May 27th would have marked 19 years.
John is survived by his wife Diane Garr, his daughter Nicole Kasten (Ryan Gonzalez), grandchildren Saffron and Cyrus Gonzalez of Madison, WI, daughter Lindsay Kasten of Milwaukee, WI, mother of his daughters Jackie Kasten of Wausau, WI, sisters Karen Kun of Omaha, NE, Margaret "Peggy" Lawonn of Wausau, WI, sister-in-law Bonnie Kasten of Wausau, WI as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Danny Kasten and brothers-in-law Wayne Lawonn and Joe Kun.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 16, 2026, from Noon to 5:00p, at Marathon Park – Wausau – "Big Kitchen" Shelter.
