Nelson Herbert Kasten

Nelson H. Kasten, 99, Cape Girardeau, died Friday, July 26, 2024, at Chateau Girardeau. Nelson was born August 6, 1924, in Cape Girardeau, to Herbert C. and Alma Marie Voges Kasten. He married Alice Comstock on January 30, 1949, in Pittsburg, KS. Before moving back to Cape Girardeau in 1997, they resided in Webster Groves and Wildwood in St. Louis County for over forty years. Nelson graduated from Central High School in 1941. He graduated from Southeast Missouri State College in May of 1947, with a B.S. degree with majors in Chemistry and Mathematics. Nelson enlisted in the U.S. Navy in December of 1942. While with the Pacific Amphibious Fleet in WWII, he served on three ships as navigator. He was transferred to reserve status in August of 1946, and retired from the U.S. Navy Reserve as a Lieutenant in 1964. Nelson worked for Monsanto Chemical Company over 38 years as a research chemist, receiving three patents. His work ranged from liquid detergent, food products, and silicon use in electronics. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church, Cape Girardeau. In the St. Louis area, he was Deacon, Elder and Clerk of Session in Presbyterian churches. Nelson volunteered at the USO and St. Luke's Hospital in St. Louis, as well as both St. Francis and Southeast Missouri Hospitals in Cape Girardeau. During retirement, he clocked over 5,000 hours of volunteer work. Nelson (and Alice) satisfied educational interests by attending 22 Elderhostel travel-study courses over a 20 year period during retirement. He was preceded in death by his wife Alice, of 62 years, and his parents. Nelson is survived by a daughter, Barbara (David) Hiatt of Flagstaff, AZ; a son, Donald (Cindy) Kasten, of Billings, MT; two granddaughters, Samantha Hiatt of Louisville, KY., and Rachel (Rob) Hiatt of San Francisco; a grandson, Nathan (Mary) Hiatt of Franklin County; and two great grandsons, Ryan and Kyle Baer; and two great granddaughters, Callie Rose and Caitlyn Marie Hiatt. Granting his wishes, there will be no visitation. A private graveside service with military honors will be held at the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to: the MOAA Scholarship Fund, PO Box 1824, Merrifield, VA, 22116-9917 or Southeast Missouri State University Foundation Music Department, One University Plaza, MS 7300, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701 or the Salvation Army, PO Box 802, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com Ford and Sons Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Tributes

Nelson Herbert Kasten

August 6, 1924 - July 26, 2024