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BORN
1936
DIED
2023
FUNERAL HOME
John Kastl Obituary
January 22, 1936 - May 12, 2023
John E. Kastl passed away on May 12, 2023, surrounded by his family. He was born on January 22, 1936, in Seward, NE, to Edmund and Mary Kastl. He is survived by his wife of nearly 58 years, Rose (née Holmberg); as well as his son, John and his wife Joyce (née Snitily); daughter, Teresa and her husband Gary McArdle; grandson, John; granddaughter, Anastasia and her husband Joseph Barnes; granddaughter, Elizabeth; and great-granddaughter, Cecilia Barnes.
John graduated from Seward High School in 1954, attended Creighton University and graduated from the University of Nebraska in 1959. John was a lifelong learner and continued to expand his knowledge through graduate studies at numerous Universities.
John was a talented Physics and Chemistry teacher and was a favorite teacher for many of his students. He initially taught at schools across southeastern Nebraska, before teaching for nearly 30 years in the Lincoln Public Schools System, first at East High School and then at Southeast High School.
Over his career, John was recognized for his excellence in teaching and received many awards. He was often invited to speak internationally to present papers on Science Curriculum. John was affiliated with numerous professional organizations, including the American Association of Physics Teachers, the American Chemical Society, and the Nebraska Academy of Sciences.
Throughout his life, John was active in his church and community. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus through the 4th degree and Grand Knight for two years in Lincoln Council 833. He was a member of St. Teresa's parish in Lincoln, the Cathedral of the Risen Christ in Lincoln, and St. Wenceslaus parish in Wahoo.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Edmund and Mary; and two grandchildren, Joseph and Mary.
VISITATION: Friday, May 19, 2023, from 5-7pm, with 7pm Knights of Columbus Rosary at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, 214 E. 2nd St., Wahoo, NE. MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Saturday, May 20, 2023, 10:30am at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, Wahoo, NE. Celebrant, Rev. Jeffrey Eickhoff. Interment at Seward Cemetery, Seward, NE. Memorials in care of the family. Visit www.marcysvoboda.com to leave condolences.
SVOBODA FUNERAL HOME
211 N. Linden Street, Wahoo, NE 68066 | (402) 443-3624
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Memories and Condolences
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Vicky Kobes
May 8, 2025
I was a member of the Crete Sr Class of 1965. I, and other classmates, enjoyed witnessing Mr Kastl and Miss Holmberg courting and falling in love. It was odd to us that a man we thought would be a lifelong bachelor help Rose with her events like FHA style show. Happily, they changed our minds about John being a lifelong bachelor.
And I want to thank Rose for all she did for me. I was an unhappy child from divorced parents and her mentoring and kindness are still remembered 60 years later.
Tom McGuire
August 19, 2023
I had John as my physics teacher at Falls City high in 1959-60. We knew he was a first year teacher, and at times we´re not very kind. I didn´t realize until years later, when I was a high school teacher, just how good he really was.
Kelly
May 27, 2023
Absolutely the most wonderful chemistry teacher. RIP
Kelly
Sue Smith
May 17, 2023
Rose I was so sorry to read about your loss of John. He was such a great teacher.
My email was hacked so I´ve lost your email address and miss being in touch with you. My sympathy, Sue. Smith
Anica Sultzbaugh Brown
May 17, 2023
Mr. Kastl was my chemistry teacher at East and he was sensational at keeping us motivated and entertained in science class. He was always moving around the room, creating an inviting class and wanting us to figure it out! He was also humorous when he would start up his steam engine during a test. I always was amazed at his wealth of knowledge and now I know why, reading all of his accomplishments. He was so humble and showed us how much science offered us. Many blessings to your family at his loss. He was a remarkable teacher.
Jim Rose
May 16, 2023
I remember John from high school chemistry at East High in 1971. He was a hoot. He'd climb up on his desk when making an important point and had the funniest smirk. I excelled in college chemistry thanks to his instruction. God bless him and his family.
Vicky Kobes
May 16, 2023
This is a photo of John and Rose at a Crete High School event in 1965.
Janice Kirchhoff
May 16, 2023
Rose & family, I´m so sorry to read of your lose of John. I´m sorry, also, John suffered so many years. He & you put up the good fight. May God bless you with happy memories & comforting days ahead.
Blessings,
Jan Kirchhoff
Kelly (Bourne) Sneed
May 16, 2023
Enjoyed him as a teacher. Had a sense of humor at times. Didn't realize he left East. God bless.
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