Lou Ann Castens

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Lou Ann Castens, nee Rathert, 84, of Smithton, IL, born January 4, 1934, in Campbell Hill, IL, died Thursday, August 9, 2018, at the home of her daughter in Waterloo, IL.

Lou Ann was a devoted and loving mother.  She was very proud of her family and loved holidays and family get-togethers.  Any chance she had to spend time with family was important to her. Lou Ann loved to sew and alter clothes for friends, family and neighbors.  She was a member of Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church, Freeburg, IL, where she volunteered when needed.

Lou Ann was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Wallace W. Castens; her parents, Martin and Pauline, nee Wedemeyer, Rathert;
a brother-in-law, Robert Lodge; and a nephew, Marty Blair.

Surviving are two sons, Allen W. (Ann) Castens of Freeburg, IL, and Jerry L. (Suzie) Castens of Smithton, IL;
a daughter, Nancy A. (Mike) Gregson of Waterloo, IL; six grandchildren, Jeremey (Stacy) Gregson, Jamie (Sarah) Gregson, Stefanie (Aaron) Cope, Angela (Chad) Sanders, Brandon Castens, and Kristen (Frank) Simek; nine great-grandchildren, Ian Matzenbacher, Charley Gregson, Damon Gregson, Alyssa Gregson, Megan Gregson, Brynne Sanders, Maya Sanders, Cecelia Simek, and Franklin Simek; three step-grandchildren, Nicholas O’Saben, Brendan O’Saben, and Alexander O’Saben; four sisters, Verna Dean (Lester) Blair of Percy, IL, Darlene Lodge of Puxico, IL, Carolyn (Lester) Lange of Campbell Hill, IL, and Sue (Tom) Pierceall of Chester, IL; four brothers, Marvin (Audrey) Rathert of Steeleville, IL, Orville (Marlene) Rathert of Steeleville, IL, Ken (Janel) Rathert of Kirkwood, MO, and Bob (Cookie) Rathert of Coulterville, IL; nieces; and nephews.

Memorials may be made to Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church, Freeburg, IL, or to Hospice of Southern Illinois. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.

Visitation:  Friends may visit from 12:30 to 3 p.m. Saturday, August 11, 2018, at Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church, Freeburg, IL.

Funeral: Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, August 11, 2018, at Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church, Freeburg, IL, with Rev. Bruce Keseman officiating.

Burial will be at Smithton City Cemetery, Smithton, IL.

Condolences:

5 Comments on Lou Ann Castens

Dr. Schenewerk said : Guest Report Aug 17, 2018 at 5:45 AM

It was truly a pleasure seeing Luanne. Although for years we hardly ever saw her because she was so healthy, likely because of her great attitude about life. Our staff will miss her dearly. Thanks for all the smiles!!

  • Smithton
  • IL
Gloria Mosley said : Guest Report Aug 10, 2018 at 5:47 PM

Dear Castens family, I'd like to express my condolence and deep regrets for your loss for this enemy death shows no mercy but always brings much pain and grief and I felt this also when it took my entire family and I'd like to share where I found help at that time. I found comfort and hope in what I read in Jehovah Gods word the Bible at John5:28,29 there it tell us we'll see our love ones again in the resurrection when Jesus brings them back here on earth and Isaiah25:8 tells us that this enemy death will be swallowed up forever. These scriptures and others help me cope with my loss and get through each day because now I know I'll see my love ones again and so can you. I wanted to share this with you now when hope and comfort is needed in hopes that this will help you also in some way for this is my purpose in sharing this with you at this time and please know that I do share your grief and hope you'll feel free to let me know if I accomplished my purpose, I hope to hear from you. Sincerely, GM

  • NChas
  • SC
Jeanne Kidd Whiting said : Guest Report Aug 10, 2018 at 4:06 PM

My deepest sympathy to the entire family of Lou Ann. She was the sweetest lady and best seamstress. She made my first prom dress and it was perfect! I spent many a day growing up playing and hanging with Nancy. I’m sorry for your loss!!!!

  • St.Louis
  • MO
Eileen and Chuck Curran said : Guest Report Aug 10, 2018 at 3:02 PM

I know the love of your Mother will always be strongly felt in your hearts. We are so happy that we were able to know her and be a part of our lives for the past 14+ years. Much love to all of you.

  • Waterloo
  • il
Carol Castens said : Guest Report Aug 10, 2018 at 12:50 AM

I'm truly sorry for your loss. Lou Ann was the sweetest, kindest person I've ever known. A rock in my life many times with open arms. Very heavy hearts out here for her and family. Bless our angel and indeed she was and will continue to be now with Wally. Much, much, love, Carol.

  • Waterloo
  • IL

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