Loraine M. Kastner

Loraine Marie Kastner, age 92, of Appleton, passed away Monday evening, March 9, 2009 at Manor Care. Loraine was born October 8, 1916 in Antigo, WI to Bernard and Pearl (McNutt) Balke, she was the eldest of ten children. She attended schools in Big Falls, WI. On October 3, 1953 Loraine was united in marriage to Eugene Kastner, he preceded her in death on April 18, 1962. They enjoyed the years they had together working on their family farm.

She was a lover of nature and enjoyed watching the birds and gardening around her home. She was a natural athlete and in her younger years played youth softball. Her love of baseball grew and she enjoyed watching baseball with her favorite team being the Cubs. Loraine was a pro-life advocate who loved to read the bible and was a faithful member of Sacred Heart Catholic Parish

Most of all she was known to bring joy to all the people she surrounded and being such a special mom, grandma, and great-grandma. She truly enjoyed and loved to play the piano, The Little Brown Jug, for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Loraine is survived by her four children: Mary Ellen Siebers, Jane (Al) Forseth, both of Appleton, Shirley (special friend Kathy Hess) Kastner, Wausau, and Eugene (special firend Mike Kieffer) Kastner, Green Bay; five grandchildren: Holly (Jay) Jones, Tennesse, Chad Siebers, Troy (Melanie) Siebers, Brett (Jamie) Forseth, and Ashley Forseth, all of Appleton; six great-grandchildren: Nefertiti Jones, Camille Jones, Dallas Siebers, Shelby Siebers, and Wyatt and Kylie Forseth; three sisters: Mary Faehling, Clintonville, Evelyn (Earl) Luebke and Germaine Koepke, both of Neenah; three brothers: Roy (Betty) Balke, Erie, PA, Eugene (Elaine) Balke, Neenah, and Don (Barbara) Balke, Nebo, NC; many nieces and nephews; and other relatives and friends.

In addition to her husband, Eugene, Loraine was preceded in death by her brothers Ronald and Ben Balke; and her sister, Betty Balke.

A Funeral Liturgy for Loraine will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 14, 2009 at SACRED HEART CATHOLIC CHURCH, 222E. Fremont Street, Appleton. Fr. Robert Karuhn will be the officiant. A time of visitation and support will be held 4:00-7:00 p.m. Friday, March 13, 2009 at WICHMANN FUNERAL HOME, 537 N. Superior Street, Appleton with prayer service beginning at 7:00 p.m. Friends and family may also call at the church on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will take place Monday, March 16, 2009 at St. Mary's Cemetery, Sheboygan Falls.

The family would like to express a heartfelt thank you to the staff and caregivers at Manor Care and Heartland Hospice for all their wonderful care and support.

Loraine will always be remembered for her great smile and her big heart. She always said, “It's better to laugh than to cry”. She was a great friend, aunt, sister, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, who will be truly missed.

Wichmann Funeral Home
537 N. Superior Street
Appleton (920) 739-1231