Elmer Joseph Kastner, 72, Minot and formerly of the Garrison area died on Sunday, December 20, 2009 in his home.

Elmer was born on April 20, 1937 in Garrison, ND to Joe and Marcella (Fischer) Kastner. He was reared and educated in St. Mary's Township of McLean County near Emmett, ND prior to graduating from Garrison High School in 1955. Elmer was once married to Eileen Sparby from May 9, 1959 until 1977. As a young adult he lived in Bismarck for a short time prior to enlisting in the U.S. Air Force in April of 1957. He was stationed at Malmstrom AFB in Montana and Fort Warren AFB in Wyoming as well as in Labrador prior to his honorable discharge in April of 1961. Following his discharge he returned to North Dakota and resided in Minot where he was employed as a courier by Purolator.

Elmer married Ruth Sandhofner on October 24, 1977 in Minot. They made their home in Minot where he continued his employment with Purolator, which eventually became Corp Express, until 1999. Also, he was employed by Banker's Advertising since 1989 and Greater NW Publishing Co. since 1999. In addition, he and Ruth enjoyed dancing and spending the winter months in Mesa AZ for several years.

Elmer was a member of St. Leo's Catholic Church and the Moose Lodge and a former member of Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church all in Minot. He especially enjoyed traveling and dancing.

Elmer's loving family includes his wife: Ruth; children: Colleen (Kelly) Bertsch and Virginia Gross both of Minot and Allen Kastner of Aurora, CO; grandchildren: Kristin (Bill), Kayla (Chad), Kelsey and Stephanie; step- children: Shirley Griffitt, Linda Hovde and Darlene Hurtovenko all of Minot; step- grandchildren: Terry, Shannon, Danya, Roxy and Quinn; several step- greatgrandchildren; siblings: Dorothy (Erhart) Arndt of Grand Island, NE, Delores (Frank) Bell of Lisbon and Robert A. (Wanda) Kastner of Garrison and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Elmer was preceded in death by his parents and stepson-in-law: Joseph Hurtovenko.

Mass of Christian Burial: Monday, December 28, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. in Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church - Minot.
Vigil Prayer Service: Sunday at7:00 p.m. in the Thomas Family Funeral Home Chapel - Minot.
Interment will be Monday at 3:00 p.m. in the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery - rural Mandan.
Visitation: Sunday from noon until 5:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home - Minot.
Memorials are preferred to an organization of the donor's choice or the North Dakota Veteran's Cemetery.