James L. Dr. Kastens

Dr. James L. Kastens 84, passed into the hands of the Lord on Friday, January 12, 2018 after a long battle with cancer. Jims life was defined by faith, family, friends and hard work. Jim came from humble beginnings, born May 7, 1933 near Freeport, KS. He was the youngest son of Raleigh and Anna Daly Kastens. Growing up on a farm west of Anthony, Jim rode a horse to his one room school house and graduated from Anthony High School. Farm life formed his work ethic but in his spare time, Jim enjoyed participating in 4-H. This paid off when he sold his prize-winning hog to help pay for tuition at Kansas State University. His time at K-State was formative and his enthusiasm for his beloved Wildcats continued to bring (mostly) joy throughout his life. He received his veterinary degree in 1957 from KSU and served two years as a captain in the U.S. Air Force. He met and married his wife, Patricia Broderick, in Kansas City, MO in 1960. Shortly thereafter, the couple moved to Wichita and after a brief stint working for the USDA, he opened Indian Hills Animal Clinic. Jim immersed himself in the pursuit of providing quality veterinary care to west Wichita along with supporting his growing family of five daughters. Retiring in 1997 allowed him time to visit his daughters and their families in locations near and far, continued involvement in parish life, and following the Cats. Jim was active in a multitude of church, social and professional organizations throughout his life. The friendships and connections made through these pursuits were what he held most dear. In his final year, Jim felt overwhelmed by the love and support shown to him. Jim is survived and will be greatly missed by Pat, his wife of 57 years and their daughters, Jan (Bart) Hornung, Diane (Jens) Kastens, Bev (David) Bandelli, Val (Justin) Archibald and Tricia (Scott) Engelstad. His grandchildren, Brett, Steven and Kristen Hornung; Sean and Lucy Engelstad; Helena and Marin Archibald; sister, Mary Anne (Russ) Railsback, and by his many beloved in-laws, nieces, nephews and friends. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Leo and Bernard, and his sister, Margaret. Rosary will be at 7:30 p.m. on Wed. Jan. 17; Funeral Mass will be Thurs., Jan. 18 at 11:00 a.m., both at Church of the Resurrection. On behalf of Jim, the family would like to thank Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice and the dedicated staff of the radiology department at Wesley Medical Center for their loving care in his final year. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established with Church of the Resurrection, Center of Hope homeless prevention program and Kansans for Life. Downing & Lahey Mortuary East.