Carol Mary Anna Rust Kastner was born August 20, 1927, to Walkter H. and Lillian Schafstall Rust in rural Jackson County, Indiana.  She passed away Friday, October 2, 2020, at The Neighborhoods at Brookview in Brookings, South Dakota at the age of 93.

Carol grew up on a diversified family farm in southern Indiana and learned to love the rolling hills, streams and beauty of the area.  She was surrounded by extended family throughout her childhood and was baptized at St. Paul's Lutheran Church (Borchers) in 1927.  She graduated from Cortland High School in 1945.

Carol earned her B.S. degree from Indiana State University in Terra Haute, Indiana, where she was a member of Lamda Delta Phi and Mortar Board.  She received her M.S. degree from Butler University in 1966.  Mrs. Kastner taught Home Economics for 22 years.  She began her teaching career at Columbia School in Evansville, Indiana (1949-1951), and then moved to Shortridge High School during the 1951-1952 school year; at Perry East Junior High School from 1961-1965; and then completed her teaching career at Meridian Middle School in 1982.

She married the love of her life, Ralph E. Kastner of August 5, 1951; he proceeded her in death on January 30, 1997.  Ralph and Carol were avid travelers visiting South America, Europe, and Canada, as well as Iceland and every state in the U.S. except for Alaska.  They were both committed to their faith, their family and to their community.  Carol enjoyed gardening, sewing, reading, and visiting with family and friends.  She was a member of Resurrection Lutheran Church in Indianapolis and dearly loved her church family.

Following her retirement, Carol volunteered at the Indiana State Museum and the Indiana German Heritage Society.  One highlight was attending the signing of the German American Day Proclamation by then President Ronald Reagan in the Rose Garden of the White House in 1987.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and two brothers, Orville and David.  She is survived by her two children, Richard A. Kastner (Susan) of Perry Michigan, and Mary Kay Helling (Steve) of Brookings, South Dakota; five grandchildren: Elliot (Nina), Heidi (Nick), Jacob (Hanna), Andrew (Natalie) and Alexander (Melissa); four great-grandchildren, Emily,, Eva, Alma and Ethan; sister, Vera (Lawrence); brothers, Chester (Linda) and Waldron; sisters-in-law, Martha and Nancy; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Heartfelt thanks to the staff at The Neighborhoods at Brookview; Edgewood Vista in Brookings; and to Compassionate Care Hospice.  Your kindness, love and compassion were much appreciated.  Memorials are preferred to the Resurrection Lutheran Church in Indianapolis.

Funeral services will be held at Resurrection Lutheran Church in Indianapolis, Indiana on Thursday, October 8, 2020, at 2:30P.M.  Visitations will be from 1-2:30 P.M. on Thursday at the church.  Eidsness Funeral Home is assisting the family with local arrangements.