KASTEN, Caroline Elizabeth

Carolyn Elizabeth Kasten died Friday, Oct. 6, at her home in Leadville. She was 80 years old. She was born in Leadville on Nov. 1, 1925. Her parents were the late Carl F. and Elizabeth (Schaefer) Schaefer. Kasten went to school in Leadville, graduating from Leadville High School. On Oct. 13, 1950, she married Max L. Kasten in Salida. Years later, the couple renewed their vows at Annunciation Catholic Church in Leadville. Kasten was an accomplished knitter and loved working on afghans for family and friends. She was a wonderful cook and an excellent bowler. Kasten bowled on leagues in both Leadville and Denver. Her family also remembers the fun she had gambling. Kasten took care of her mother, Elizabeth, for 25 years until her death and has taken care of her brother Harry for the past 50 years as well. Kasten was a life-long member of Annunciation Catholic Church and belonged to both Catholic Daughters and the Alter & Rosary Society. A member of the Leadville Eagles Lodge, Kasten was the first president of the Auxiliary. Kasten’s son remembers his mother as being a “mother to Leadville.” She was very involved as a “homeroom mother” in school and den mother in the Cub Scouts. Kasten was preceded in death by her parents and six siblings, Ernie, Ted, Paul and Leonard Schaefer, Frieda Fabian and Bertha Brandt. She is survived by her husband, Max L. Kasten in Leadville; her son, Mike (Cheryl) Kasten in Platteville, and grandchildren, Matthew Cody, Nicholas Aaron and Kyle Eugene Kasten, all in Platteville. She is also survived by one sister, Lilly Koski in Pueblo; her brother Harry Schaefer in Leadville, sister-in-law Johanna Schaefer and numerous other relatives. According to her wishes, Kasten was cremated. A memorial service was held on Wednesday, Oct. 11, at 11 a.m. at Annunciation Catholic Church. Father Bill Rhinehart officiated along with services by the Leadville Eagles Auxiliary. Joan Dawson sang, accompanied by Jean Elliott. Services concluded at the church, and a reception was held at the Leadville Elks Lodge. Arrangements were handled by Bailey Funeral Home. Those wishing may make memorial contributions to the Catholic Community of Leadville, 609 Poplar St., Leadville, CO 80461