William Kasten

William “Uncle Fred” Kasten, 75, of Winthrop Harbor, IL died September 6, 2016 at Vista Medical Center East in Waukegan, IL. He was born October 23, 1940 in Evanston, IL. He retired from Chrysler in Kenosha, WI and was a member of the UAW Local 72 and a retired member of the Bonnie Brook Fire Department. Uncle Fred taught himself to weld at the age of 14 and spent his life as a welder. He worked for several companies, retiring from Chrysler in Kenosha in 2005 and was a proud member of UAW Local 72. His passion was racing and he spent his free time building and fixing stock cars for countless friends and family throughout the years. Some of his best memories were of the great times spent at the Waukegan and Wilmot Speed ways. He loved watching NASCAR races with friends and family over the years always cheering for the FORDS. He was a member of the Bonnie Brook Fire Department for 20+ years where “Fire was his enemy!” He always had a funny story to tell (most times with a straight face) and kept us all in stitches. He knew all the best fishing spots and tips. He could tell you what was wrong with your car by the mere sound it made or more easily by the emblem on the front. He was an “Authority” on everything as well as professional flatulent artist. In his later years he enjoyed keeping up with his friends on the computer, playing solitaire and doing word searches, all while performing the daily “neighborhood watch” with his trusty sidekick, Vader. To know Uncle Fred was to love him, and loved he was. Survivors include his wife of 43 years, Pam Kasten; children, Tina Clement of Winthrop Harbor, IL, Tracy (Dave) Duvall of Zion, IL, Billy Kasten of Beach Park, IL, Tricia (Bob) Vollmer of Winthrop Harbor, IL, and Ruth (Mike) Long of Zion, IL; 8 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; his very special side kick, Vader (aka Brudder); special nephews, Danny (Vera) Routt of Winthrop Harbor, IL, and Ed (Heather) Jesperson of Antigo, WI; special friends, Mike Padgett and Deryck Clement; and a very special thanks to our friends and neighbors, Chris and Heather Engdahl and Brent and Jenny Paakola. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Elinor Kasten; and sister, Joan Routt. A memorial service will be announced soon where his family invites all his friends to come out and share your stories and pictures. Thank you all for love and prayers. -The Kasten Family.