Eugenia "Bonnie" Kastner

EUGENIÀ (BONNIE) MARY KASTNER, age 98, lifelong resident of Waseca, died on Monday, October 9, 2023, at Foxdale Senior Living in Waseca.

Born on September 10, 1925, in Waseca, she was the daughter of Edward and Lina (Ehlenz) Bower. She received her education at Sacred Heart Catholic School where she graduated with the class of 1943. In her twenties, Bonnie lost both of her parents and took over the responsibility of raising her three youngest sisters. On June 24, 1950, Bonnie was united in marriage to Rex Kastner at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Waseca. Together they made their home in Waseca while raising their four children. Throughout their life they owned and operated Kastner’s Northvue Resort on Trout Lake near Grand Rapids for 30 years. When Bonnie wasn’t busy at the resort she worked for Dr. Don Welna, D.D.S. of Waseca as his dental and office assistant for over 20 years. Bonnie and Rex shared 57 years of marriage before Rex passed away on February 16, 2008. Bonnie enjoyed tending to her flower garden, playing bridge, volunteering at the Library, Sacred Heart School, and the Historical Society. Bonnie was known by many in the 1960’s as the Girl Scout Cookie Lady. She was devoted to her faith as it is what guided her through her life and was a lifelong member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Waseca where she was a member of Catholic Daughters.  Blessed be her memory.

Bonnie is survived by her children: Tom (Ann) Kastner of Rochester, Kim Charlebois of Lanesboro, Jane Ekeh of Little Canada, and Anne Kastner (Sam Niskanen) of Cologne; grandchildren: Rebecca (James) Holden, Barbra Kastner, Nicholas (Emily) Charlebois, Jesse Charlebois and Stone Ekeh; great grandchildren: Evelyn and Kellan Holden, Stella, Gemma, Jack, and Rex Charlebois; sisters: Helen Berry, Barbara (Jack) Kritzer, and Gloria (Brian) McLoone; along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents; husband; siblings: James Bower, Tom Bower, Mary Haines, and Jane Sybilrud.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 AM on Saturday, October 21, 2023 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Waseca with Fr. Glenn Frerichs as Celebrant. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Waseca. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday.

Memorials are preferred to Sacred Heart Catholic School Endowment Fund.