Norman “Norm” Kastner Jr.

Norman E. “Norm” Kastner Jr., 90, of O’Fallon, IL, formerly of Belleville, IL, born Monday, March 12, 1934, in Chicago, IL, passed away Monday, June 17, 2024 at Dammert Care Center in Belleville, IL.

Norm was born in Chicago just over 90 years ago! His family moved to East St. Louis where his sweet mother was a homemaker and his father was a Carman for Illinois Central Railroad. Norm shared his dad’s love for trains, working as a teen driving steam engines around the roundhouse. Norm left home to attend The University of Illinois, where he majored in geology, only to seek fame and fortune in life insurance sales! He soon met his bride, Terry, who together shared over 63 years of marriage(!), two children, four grandchildren, many beloved, spoiled dogs and lots of love, fun and adventure.

Young, energetic, hard-working, tenacious Norm was a natural salesman and thrived in his career. He always tried to better himself and further his education, ultimately gaining credentials in financial planning. This was a career that he loved – a perfect outlet for his intelligence, organization, people skills and quick wit. He enjoyed his success until he was 80 years old, working as a Principal for Moneta Group and later as president of his own business called Asset Planners Financial. Those who were fortunate enough to work with him started their day with a joke and a laugh.

Spirited Norm lived with gusto – always on the move and up for a new experience! He loved tennis, golf, snow skiing, little league coaching, scuba diving and most of all, travel. He was lucky enough to travel all over the U.S. and to 57 countries, his favorite of which was beautiful Paris where he and Terry visited multiple times.

Norm’s exuberant nature and quest for a good time brought him many, many friends over the years who would refer to Norm as “one of a kind, generous and so very funny!” He was always up for something! He loved dinner out with friends and family, going to Cardinals and Blues games, Illini football games, rock concerts, musicals, movies or simply enjoying great conversation or sitting on the back porch, smoking a fine cigar and watching it rain.

Norm (aka Dad and Papa) enjoyed teaching and molding his kids and grandkids, sharing his love of adventure, learning and a good laugh.

Norm liked to listen to classic rock in his fast sports car with his dog as his co-pilot. If you looked quickly as he sped away into the sunset, you would see that the license plate on his newest cherry red car read “Normeee”! Perfect.

Norman was a United States Army Veteran and a member of Blessed Sacrament Church, St. Clair Country Club and a former president of The Khoury League of Belleville.

He was preceded in death by his:

• Parents: Norman E. and Rosalie, nee Neureuther, Kastner
• Uncle: Carl Neureuther
• Cousin: Georgina Hager
• Brother-in-law: Jack Hoppenjans

Surviving are his:

• Wife of over 63 years: Theresa “Terry” Kastner of O’Fallon, IL
• Son: Timothy “Tim” (Beth) Kastner of Clayton, MO
• Daughter: Kristin “Kris” Stallons-White (Robert White) of O’Fallon, IL
• Grandchildren:
  • Ali Stallons
  • Jay (Sarah) Stallons
  • Andrew (Maureen) Kastner
  • Megan Kastner
• Sister-in-law: Jeanette Hoppenjans

Memorials: Memorials may be made to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Partners for Pets in St. Jacob, IL.

Visitation: Visitation from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. Friday, June 28, 2024 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Belleville, IL.

Services: Funeral Mass will be held Friday, June 28, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Belleville, IL with Fr. Jim Thomas officiating. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.