Jerome Philip Kasten passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 1, 2024.

Jerome was born July 2, 1938, in Denmark, Wisconsin to Frederick and Ruth (Engelbrecht) Kasten. He attended school in Denmark and graduated in 1956. Jerome enlisted in the US Navy and proudly served his country. Jerome married Judith Newberg in 1963, moved to Manitowoc Wisconsin and raised three children, Paul, Mark, and Becky. Jerome was a truck driver for Plumb & Nelson. When Plumb & Nelson closed, he would eventually work for The Weyerhaeuser Company until his retirement in 2000.

In 1977, Jerome found his new partner in life, Clyde Ahlschwede. Jerome and Clyde had many similar hobbies: enjoying gardening, landscaping, watching the Packers and Brewers, photography, sheepshead, tending to his hobby farm that included cats, chickens and peacocks, spending time with his children and grandchildren, and enjoying the company of friends at the local pubs.

For many years, monthly sheepshead tournaments were a highlight of his life - nothing could be planned for the third Saturday of the month. Jerome also participated in a local dice club, "the a$$ hole club" where meeting up with friends every Saturday was a relaxing break from the stress of work. The most enjoyable hobbies for Jerome were gardening and landscaping. Many summer hours were spent tending to the beautiful flower and vegetable garden, as well as making his yard look amazing.  He enjoyed entertaining guests and sharing his yard with others. For many years, Jerome and Clyde would bring their flowers and vegetables to the Manitowoc County Fair and his arrangements usually won blue ribbons.

Jerome leaves behind his husband, Clyde Ahlschwede; his children, Mark Kasten, Becky (Kurt) Saterbak; his grandchildren, Emily (Aaron) Kasten, Charlie Kasten, Violet Currie, Andie (Scott) Meyer and Arika Saterbak; great grandchild, Isabella Gadzinski as well as the mother of his children, Judith Kasten. Jerome was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Ruth Kasten; stepmother Malvina Kasten; and son, Paul Kasten.

Cremation has taken place at the Harrigan Parkside Crematory and Chapel. A Life Celebration Social for family and friends will be held from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 2, 2024, at the Harrigan Parkside Gathering Center, 620 North Water Street, Manitowoc. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family by visiting www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com .