Jean Meier Kasten, 88, of Delavan, passed away peacefully July 22, 2016, at Lakeland Health Care Center in Elkhorn.
Born Aug. 27, 1927, to William Hermsmeier and Arlen (Matter) Hermsmeier in Freeport, Ill., Jean graduated from Freeport High School and continued her education at the University of Missouri-Columbia where she was a member of Gamma Phi Beta sorority. She returned home to marry her high school sweetheart, Francis “Barney” Meier, in 1949. They were blessed with four children and enjoyed more than 32 years together until his passing.
Jean pursued and enjoyed many passions throughout the years. As an avid doll and antique collector, her dream came true in 1975 and she opened her own antique shop, “Teller’s Window Antiques,” in Kent, Ill.
In 1984, Jean married Lowell “Luke” Kasten. Jean and Luke enjoyed their winters in Delray Beach, Fla., and their summers on Delavan Lake. During their 32 years of marriage, they enjoyed traveling together, collecting antiques, singing and having a cocktail or two on the lake. Jean will always be remembered by her generous loving nature, loving spirit and contagious smile. Having lived a very full and active life with many long-term friendships, she felt very grateful for such a blessed life.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, Francis “Barney” Meier; her brother, William Hermsmeier II; her granddaughter, Madelyn Grover; and most recently by her second husband, Lowell “Luke” Kasten on March 21.
She is survived by her children, Nancy Krieger (Gary) of Cedarburg, Cathy Coghlan (Kevin) of Stillwater, Minn., Todd Meier of Madison, and Lori Grover (Mike) of Delavan; grandchildren, Caitlin (Mike) Patek, Matthew Krieger, Greg Krieger, Ryan, Erin and Kyle Coghlan, Kelly (Conor) Schultz, Lydia Meier, and Alex, Max and Sam Grover. She is also survived by her stepsons, Daniel (Susan) Kasten, of Rockford, Ill., and Jon (Vickie) Kasten, of German Valley, Ill., and step-granddaughters, Lani Kasten and Hanna Kasten.
Funeral services will be Saturday at Monroe Funeral Home, 604 E. Walworth Ave. in Delavan, with the Rev. Robert P. Rickman officiating. Visitation will be from 9:30 to 11 a.m. with the funeral service to follow at 11 a.m. Burial will take place at Spring Grove Cemetery in Delavan. The family will host a celebration of life brunch in honor of Jean preceeding the memorial service.
