Leon Lorenz (Lee) Casten

West Des Moines

Lee Casten, 84, died Thursday, May 7, 2015. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday at McLaren’s Chapel with burial at Resthaven Cemetery in West Des Moines, IA.

Lee was born January 4, 1931 in Postville, IA the son of Lorenz and Irene (Dickman) Casten. He graduated from Postville High School and served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He took basic training in Hawaii and then was sent back to the states where he served on Courts and Boards. Following his military service he returned to the family farm in Postville, working with his brother and parents. He held the position of acting Postmaster in Postville from 1959 to 1960.

On June 11, 1961 he married Karen (Barton) Casten. They have two sons, David Matthew and Douglas Eugene. In 1962 Lee joined the Barton family business, Barton Solvents Company. He held the positions of branch manager in Council Bluffs, corporate sales manager, vice president, president and chairman. He developed many friendships and is highly respected in the industry. Lee worked hard and played hard, enjoying life to the fullest. He thoroughly enjoyed his association with his many contacts.

Lee had many interesting and varying hobbies. He enjoyed flying, motorcycling, golf and skiing. He was passionate about watching football, basketball, wrestling and golf. He was proud of his sons and their accomplishments and of his grandsons enjoying time spent with them. Friendships were important to him.

He retained his love of the farm, keeping the family farm in Postville, and maintained a lifelong interest in his home town of Postville and northeast Iowa. No one was a stranger. Lee enjoyed visiting with everyone.

He was a member of St. Mark Lutheran Church in West Des Moines, Des Moines Golf and Country Club, Ancala Country Club in Scottsdale, AZ, American Legion, Masons, Za-Ga-Zig Shrine and Jesters.

Lee is survived by his wife, Karen (Kay) Casten; two sons, Doug (Kathy) Casten of Johnston and David Casten of Ankeny; grandsons, Alex and Markus; and a sister, Mary Wurmle of Waterloo, IA. He was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings, John Henry and Elaine Casten.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Shriners Hospitals for Children, 1100 Shriners Parkway, Altoona, IA 50009.