• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Bitterroot Star

Bitterroot Valley's best source for local news!

  • Home
  • News
  • Sports
  • Opinion
  • Classifieds
    • Buildings
    • Farm & Garden
    • For Rent
    • For Sale
    • Free
    • Help Wanted
    • Real Estate
    • Sales/Auctions
    • Services
  • Legal Notices
  • Obituaries
  • Calendar
  • Services
    • Letter to the Editor
    • Place Classified Ad
    • Submit a Press Release
    • Contact Us
    • About Us
  • Subscribe

Stanley Alan Kastens

March 14, 2023 by Editor

Victor – With profound sadness, the family of Stanley Alan Kastens, announces his passing on February 21, 2023, at the age of 71. 

He was born October 13, 1951, to Albert and Arlene (Samson) Kastens of Ludell, KS. As a child Stan was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith at Trinity Lutheran Church of rural Ludell. He attended Lutheran parochial school north of Ludell and graduated from Atwood High School, Atwood, KS in May 1969. 

On December 8, 1973, Stan was joined in marriage to Debra (Deby) Kay Smith at Trinity Lutheran Church, Ludell, KS. To this union was born one child Stacey Dawn (March 1981) who passed away at birth. After living in both Kansas and Texas, Stan and Deby moved to Victor, Montana in 1983. Here they built the log cabin of their dreams with Stan’s carpentry expertise. He and Deby later divorced but Stan remained in Montana, living out his dream of owning cattle and spending time in the mountains with his friends, horses and beloved dogs. He loved hard work and the beauty of God’s creation that surrounded him. 

Stan faced his cancer diagnosis not only with courage but also a charming smile, quick wit and sense of humor that was endearing to everyone who knew him. He made friends easily and found a community of people around him which included neighbors, friends and family who tended to him in his final days with love and compassion. Their dedication was truly amazing, and it was a testament to his willingness to help others without hesitation. 

He leaves to mourn him two brothers, Steve Kastens (Laurie) of Ludell, KS, Joel Kastens (Tricia) of Lebanon, TN; one sister Neva Manker (Mike) of Indianola, NE; as well as aunts, an uncle, nieces, nephews and many dear friends. 

Stan was preceded in death by his infant daughter, Stacey, his parents, and his brother, Mark. 

A Celebration of Life in Victor, Montana and a Funeral in Atwood, Kansas will both be announced at a later date. Interment will be in Trinity Lutheran Cemetery north of Ludell, KS. Condolences may be left for the family at www.dalyleachchapel.com 

Share this:

Filed Under: Obituaries

Primary Sidebar

Search This Website

Search this website…

Local Info

  • Bitterroot Chamber of Commerce
  • Ravalli County
  • Ravalli County Economic Development Authority
  • City of Hamilton
  • Town of Stevensville
  • Town of Darby
  • Bitterroot Public Library
  • North Valley Public Library
  • Stevensville Community Foundation
  • Ravalli County Council on Aging
  • Bitterroot Producers Directory
  • Ravalli County Schools
  • Real Estate
  • Montana Works

Like us

Read our e-edition!

Montana Info

  • Montana Ski Report
  • Montana Fish, Wildlife, & Parks
  • National Parks in Montana
  • Montana Wildfires – INCIWEB
  • US Forest Service – Missoula
  • Firewise USA
  • Recreation.gov

Check Road Conditions

Road Conditions

Footer

Services

  • Place Classified Ad
  • Submit a Press Release
  • Letter to the Editor
  • Submit an Event
  • Subscribe
  • About Us
  • Contact Us

Our location:

PO Box 133

115 W. 3rd Street
Stevensville, MT  59870
Phone: (406) 777-3928
Fax: (406) 777-4265

Archives – May 2011 to Present

Archives Prior to May 2011

Click here for archives prior to May 2011.

The Bitterroot Star Newspaper Co: ISSN 1050-8724 (Print) ISSN 2994-0273 (Online)
Copyright © 2026 · Bitterroot Star · Maintenance · Site by Linda Lancaster at Bitterroot Web Designs