William Janke Kastrin

William (Bill) Janke Kastrin, a third generation El Pasoan and the oldest of 9 children, was born into a pioneering El Paso business family on July 26, 1917. His parents, Gus and Grace Catsaron, and maternal grandparents, Alexander and Lina Janke, set him on an ambitious course in real estate and construction. This included involvement in El Paso landmarks like Providence Memorial Hospital, the El Paso National Bank Building (now Chase Tower), the Paso del Norte Hotel (now Camino Real) and numerous projects on Fort Bliss and in New Mexico including the Los Alamos National Laboratory. The patriarch of a prominent El Paso business family, his mentors and friends included Robert E. McKee, Sam Young Sr., Conrad Hilton, and J.E. Morgan.

In addition to accomplishments in business, Bill devoted himself to mentoring and assisting other business people, serving on boards within the community, making anonymous donations of land to non-profits, and promoting El Paso’s well-being and success. Bill had a keen interest in politics and citizenship that was motivated not by self-interest, but by the determination to create a better community and nation. It is this commitment to his country, community and others that Bill passed on to his greatest legacy--his children.

Bill and his beloved wife, Socorro Lozano Kastrin, were devoted to their children, taking them around the world, educating them abroad, and ensuring that they were familiar with the significant topics of the day. More importantly, Bill and Socorro taught their children about the obligation to improve their world and community.

On February 10, 2015, Bill died peacefully in his sleep surrounded by his children, including son William F. Kastrin, and daughters Veronica Callaghan and Deborah Kastrin. His wife of 69 years, Socorro Lozano Kastrin, and his eldest daughter, Linda Sue Abraham, preceded him in death. Bill adored his grandson’s, James Abraham and William Dax and Dax’s wife, Holland Sergent Kastrin. He was thrilled and delighted in his great- grandsons Liam , Rowyn and Streeter Kastrin.

Pallbearers will be Hilario Botello, Jesus Armando Lara, Jesus Banda, Martin Dorado, and Jose Roque Sr. They represent the devoted employees who have worked with Mr. Kastrin, for well over thirty years, some are second generation. Bill was equally devoted to them and their families

The passing of Bill Kastrin signals the end of an era in our community. He has left an indelible mark on his family and the community landscape.

Visitation will be held Thursday, February 12, 2015 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Harding-Orr & McDaniel Funeral Home, 320 Montana Ave. Funeral Mass will be at 9:00 a.m. Friday, February 13, 2015 at St. Patrick Cathedral, 1118 N. Mesa Street with Interment to follow at Memory Garden of the Valley Cemetery, 4900 McNutt Road.wwwFunerariaDelAngelHarding.com