Joan M. Kastner, 81, a resident of Elk Haven Nursing Home and formerly of 144 Upper Cherry Road, Kersey, passed away Tuesday, March 22, 2016, at Elk Haven, after an illness of the past two years.
She was born July 8, 1934, in St. Marys, daughter of the late Frank and Minnie Gerber Meier. She was a lifelong resident of the area and was a graduate of Central Catholic High School, Class of 1952. She was employed by the Community Loan Company, Farmers and Merchants Bank, Deposit Bank, First Commonwealth Bank, and she and her husband, Bud, built, owned, and operated Bud’s Country Market, which is M.J.’s Mini-Mart in Kersey.
On January 31, 1970, she married Richard E. “Bud” Kastner, who survives. She is also survived by a brother, Robert J. Meier and his wife Joan of Winston-Salem, NC; three sisters-in-law, Miriam Meier of St. Marys, Betty Meier of St. Marys, and Miriam Lavella of Kersey; and by nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and great nieces and great nephews.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by four sisters, Ruth Meier, Martha Meier, Erma Friedl, and Valery Nissel; and by five brothers, Alvin Meier, Richard Meier, Rev. Pirmin Meier, OSB, Francis “June” Meier, and Donald “Brownie” Meier.
Joan was a member of the St. Boniface Church, the church choir, and the Rosary Society. She taught CCD and piano lessons, was a Girl Scout leader and loved water aerobics, bowling, and traveling.
Due to Holy Week, a Blessing Service will be held in the St. Boniface Church on Thursday, March 24, 2016, at 11:00 AM, with the Rev. Ross Miceli, Pastor, officiating. Burial will follow in the St. Boniface Cemetery. A Memorial Mass will be held at a later date.
Visitation is at the Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home on Thursday morning from 9:30 until 10:30 AM.
Memorials, if desired, may be made to the Guardian Angels Center, 364 Main Street, Kersey, PA 15846; the St. Boniface Catholic School, 359 Main Street, Kersey, PA 15846; the Elk Haven Nursing Home, 785 Johnsonburg Road, St. Marys, PA 15857; the Silver Creek Terrace, 791 Johnsonburg Road, St. Marys, PA 15857; or to a favorite charity.