Kenneth A. “Kenny” Kasten

Kenny was born on June 17, 1982, in Loveland, Colo. to Lucinda and Kenneth L. Kasten. Kenny’s parents were originally from the area and moved their family back to Iron Mountain in 1994. Kenny graduated from Kingsford High School in 2000.

Following graduation Kenny enlisted in the Army National Guard as a military police officer. Kenny served tours in Germany, Kuwait, Iraq, and Louisiana for Hurricane Katrina. Kenny was a natural leader; his attention to details and organization made him an excellent team leader. He was honorably discharged in 2006 after six years of dedicated service.

Between deployments Kenny attended Northern Michigan University, graduating in 2007 with a bachelor’s degree in construction management and a minor in business. Kenny began his career in construction management with the Boldt Company in Appleton, Wis. Kenny’s heart was always in the U.P., so in 2016 he accepted a job with Gundlach Champion Inc. where he was currently employed.

On Sept. 13, 2008, Kenny was united in marriage to Natalie Harper in Iron Mountain. They first settled in Appleton. Kenny was an amazing father to his three young children. Relocating his family to the U.P. in 2016 was a dream come true for Kenny.

An avid and skilled outdoors man he loved to be in the woods or on the water. Hunting trips to Canada and Wyoming brought many great memories and his prized elk mount. Kenny was also a skilled builder. He always had a detailed plan in place and brought it to life on budget. He first built a camp in Channing, then a few years later, he built his family a forever home in 2019.

In September 2019 Kenny was diagnosed with a rare aggressive cancer. Seven surgeries, radiation and chemotherapy followed. Kenny fought like the warrior he was, never giving up until his very last breath. Kenny’s resilience and fighting spirit was an inspiration to all who knew him. His Kenny’s Crew community provided so much support for Kenny and his family. It was evident that he was very loved and respected.

Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 12 years, Natalie; two sons, Henry and Oliver, and his daughter, Ella, all at home; his beloved hunting dog, Gunner, and the dog he never wanted but grew to tolerate, Rowdy; his parents, Lucinda Kasten and Kenneth L. Kasten; brother, Cory Kasten; grandfather, Gene Berger; special cousin and friend, Michael (Brianna) Stebbins; Uncle Tony (Missy) Berger and Uncle Steve (Heather) Smithson; Aunt Gayle (Ed) Gorman; mothers-in-law and fathers-in-law, Pamla and Derrick Tyner and Mike and Wendy Harper; brothers-in-law, CJ (Jalessa) Harper, Nathan Harper, and Jonathan (Berta) Tyner; nieces, Scarlett and Lily and special niece and goddaughter, Haylee Kasten; nephews, Derrick James, Alden, Leland, and Louie; many extended cousins and relatives; life-long best friend, Jon Cvengros and his family; along with his special group of friends and their families — too many to name.

Kenny was preceded in death by his grandparents, Henry Kasten, Gertrude Smithson, Ben Smithson, and Laverne Maes, Uncle Terry Berger, Aunt Lyn Stebbins-Weaver, Uncle Dan Weaver, and many other extended family members.

A special Thank You to Dr. David Poetker, Dr. Nathan Zwagerman, Dr. Joe Zenga, nurse practitioner and friend Annie Schuette, Dr. San Hong, Dr. John Charlston, the local oncology team of Dr. Gus Morel and nurses Casey and Erika, Kenny’s team at the VA: Jennifer O’Keefe, Shannon Suheski, Beth Penagor and Selena Okler. Thank you to nurses Nicole Mortl, Jill Johnson, and Kimberly Vassar for helping to support Natalie in caring for him at home. The hospice care staff on 4 east at the Iron Mountain VAMC will never be forgotten. The care, compassion, and respect he was given will be forever a wonderful memory in a difficult time. The support from family, friends, and the community throughout his battle was nothing short of amazing.

“While our time was cut too short, the memories, growth and love from the last 17 years will live on. I promise to keep your legacy alive for our kids. I know you will guide me while we navigate this world without you. I will miss our inside jokes and being weirdos together. Rest easy KK, your battle is done. The knowledge and strength you have instilled in me will get me through. You have done so many good things in 38 years. I will always be so proud to be your wife. I will love your guts forever.” – Natalie

“I will love you forever. I will never forget you even when I am an adult. I will never stop doing the things you loved to do. I will help mom with all the things you used to do. I will teach Oliver all the things you taught me. See you when I get to heaven. I miss you now and I will miss you forever. I Love you Daddy.” Henry age 10

“I love you; I will never forget you even as the years pass by, and I grow up. Love lasts longer than life. I love you more than mac and cheese.” – Ella age 8

“I Love you, I never wanted you to pass away. Amen, I love you! Please love Mommy, Henry, Ella and me forever.” – Oliver age 5

A visitation will be held on Friday, June 11, from 2 until 5 p.m.. at Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home in Iron Mountain followed by a memorial service at 5 p.m. Rev. Michael March will officiate.

Condolences to the family of Kenneth A. Kasten may be expressed online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com.

The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.