Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
John Kasten Obituary
John W. Kasten, 63, of Palmerton passed away Thursday Dec. 26. 2013 in Lehigh Valley Hospital Salisbury Township. John and his wife Karin A. (Korutz) Kasten would have celebrated 41 years of marriage on Jan. 7, 2014.
John was born Oct. 28, 1950 in Jim Thorpe and he was the son of Wayne H. Kasten, of Lehigh County and the late Rose D. (Molnar) Kasten.
John served as the borough manager in Bangor from 2008 to present, he was the manager, secretary and treasurer of the Borough of Slatington from 2000 to 2008 and various other positions in previous years.
In 1997 John was named the Business Development Manager for Grand Central Sanitation, after serving as director of sales and resource development manager.
John also served as borough manager, secretary and treasurer of the borough of Palmerton from 1981 to 1989.
John was also project coordinator for Lehigh County Authority.
He was a graduate of Whitehall High School and received his bachelor of science degree in physics from Moravian College graduating Cum Laude. His memberships consist of past president of the Board of Directors of the Palmerton Library, member of the Bangor Business Association, past president of the Palmerton Civil Service Commission, member of the Slate Belt COG, and a member of the Leadership Committee of the Main Street Coalition.
John was a member of St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church, Northampton.
Survivors: his wife, Karin and his father, Wayne; brother-in-law, Andrew Korutz and his wife, Barbara, of East Allen Township; two nieces, one nephew and one great-nephew.
Services: A memorial service will be Monday 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 30, 2013, at the Reichel Funeral Home, 326 E. 21st St. Northampton. Family and friends may gather from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday in the funeral home. Online condolences may be submitted to www.reichelfuneralhome.com. Contributions: memorials may be presented to the Holiday Lighting Committee, 410 Delaware Ave. Palmerton, Pa.18071.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Kasten
Kelly Shriver-Cron
January 2, 2014
I had the pleasure of working with John at Grand Central Sanitation. John was an articulate communicator and I learned so much more from him than any text book could offer. Great sense of humor, too. Shine on, Kasten. Peace be with you.
Lori Vernon
January 2, 2014
I had the chance to work under John as Firepolice Captain and Crossing Guard in Slatington. He was a wonderful person that was always ready to listen and offer advice. The best advice he gave me was not to offer no comment.
December 31, 2013
Karin, John's loss will be felt a long time by all those who knew him, especially you. He always gave 150% of his energy, creativity, intelligence, and commitment to everything he did, all for the purpose of making a positive difference in the communities where he worked. He was happiest, and most satisfied, when those efforts allowed his team mates to achieve their goals. Perhaps each of us can say a prayer for our lost friend. I know I will miss him.
Kathy Spix
December 30, 2013
Karin,
I'm very sorry to learn of your husband's passing. I will keep you in my prayers during this very difficult time.
Greg and Alice Diomedo
December 30, 2013
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
December 30, 2013
Karin, so sorry for your loss.May fond memories soothe your spirit, comfort your soul and bring you peace. with deepest sympathy, barb gerlach
Donna Parsons
December 29, 2013
Karin so sorry to hear of your husbands passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Joseph Hoffman
December 29, 2013
Karin and friends,
John had exceptional vision for Bangor Borough. He had many projects in mind and was able to accomplish quite a few of them. The best way to celebrate and remember him is to make sure that those remaining visions (and some new ones) become reality. He was a very special man.
Sherri Papsun
December 28, 2013
Karin,
So sorry to hear about the passing of your husband. My prayers and thoughts are with you. Please if you need anything don't hesitate to call.
Ramona Nattress
December 28, 2013
Karin,
I am very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. My God give you strength to carry you through this difficult time
Dave Houser
December 28, 2013
Bangor Boro's loss is also a personal loss. John was one of the most unique men I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. He was a friend and confidant and mentor and coworker and expert business manager. I am truly blessed to have been his partner at work and cherish all those moments..the serious and the funny. I will miss him terribly. Thank you Karin for sharing him with us here in Bangor. God speed John and Peace.
Jane Longazel
December 28, 2013
Karin, What a terrible loss for us all. My cousin Johnnie was all about enjoying life. I learned the importance of laughter from him and his mother. Stay strong.
With love,
Jane
Diane Hanna
December 28, 2013
Dear Karin,
I am very sorry to hear of your loss. My prayers and thoughts are with you in your time of sorrow. Although I never met John he sounds like a person that will be missed by many. Please know that we are thinking of you.
Diane Hanna
Rachel Bodtmann
December 28, 2013
John's family,
I'm so sad to hear about John's passing. I was a lifeguard for him for a few summers in Bangor and he was always so kind and a great man to work for. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
December 28, 2013
Dear Karin
My thoughts and prayers are with youat this time. Pleawse know John is in a good place and looking after you always.
Jackie Oehler
Lisabeth Rich
December 28, 2013
Karin, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I am praying for you and your family. God will give you strength.
Liz Rich
December 28, 2013
Dear Karin,
Although we've never met, John spoke of you often during our time working together for the Borough of Slatington. I considered John a trusted colleague but more importantly a friend. I will miss him greatly. You are in my thoughts at this difficult time.
Sincerely,
David A. Rachman, Chief of Police
Borough of Slatington
Betty Bittner
December 28, 2013
Dearest Karin. My sincerest condolences on your loss. I have so many wonderful memories of John. I loved him for his kind caring ways,warm friendliness.and for being a good man. Hope your memories will help you through the difficult times.
December 28, 2013
Karen, My thoughts and prayers are with you and Johns Dad with the loss of John. I always considered him a friend after we served the Boro together. Me as a Council member as John as Boro Manager. And also for his service as a Merit Badge Counsler and also the time he spent with the troop at Camp Trexler. "Butch" Kistler Family
Ron & Patti Lokay
December 28, 2013
Karen, the world has lost a great man, you, your loving husband and us, a great friend. The sudden death of John has come as a shock to all of us. Both of you have been our friends for many, many years. John's smile, his cheerfulness and his honesty and fun loving ways will always be remembered by all. I know John's many friends will sorely miss him especially for the many lives he has touched in his journeys and all to short lifetime. I know Patti & I will. You are in our thoughts and prayers. If you need anything you know where to come. Once again Karen, we are so sorry. May God bless John and forever keep him in our hearts.
Vicki Kistler
December 28, 2013
Karin, we are so sorry to hear about John. You guys were like second parents to Sue and I. Helping with school work, playing basketball, letting me drive your car at 16 (not sure what he was thinking then), sitting on your porch talking are just a few of my favorite memories. Please let us know if you need anything. Hugs and prayers sent your way...
Dana Grubb
December 28, 2013
Dear Karin,
I was saddened and shocked to read about John's sudden passing this past week. I have many fond memories of our times spent together at Moravian College. I'm so very sorry for your loss.
December 28, 2013
Dear Karen and family: I worked with John for the Borough of Palmerton and enjoy those years. John was a good boss and was fun to work with. We all enjoyed some good times. Please know that you and the family are in my thoughts and prayers. Anita Harry
Showing 1 - 23 of 23 results
Make a Donation
in John Kasten's name
Memorial Events
for John Kasten
Funeral services provided by:
Reichel Funeral Home - Northampton326 East 21st St, Northampton, PA 18067
How to support John's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor John Kasten's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
