John George Kastner

John George Kastner was born July 31, 1925 in Hartford, Connecticut. He remained in Connecticut with his parents John and Sadie and siblings Joe, Myrtle, Kathy and Alberta until he was 17 years old.

In 1942, John joined the United States Marine Corps. He proudly served his country for four years. As part of the Marine Corp Band John entertained his fellow marines and honored fallen soldiers. He played Taps for the first soldier who returned home from WWII.

John moved to Denver in the 1950’s, where his childhood love for music and the accordion became his career. He spent years as a band leader and music teacher, starting his own music school for children. John was always proud of his time as a teacher and the musical impact he had on the children he taught. He was also a composer and continued to create music into his 80’s.

He married his love, Doreen, in 2001. John spent years collecting antiques and together he and Doreen traveled the country attending shows as both buyers and sellers. John continued selling antiques and art for the remainder of his life.

John was a man full of joy and youth. He was proud of his adventures and many accomplishments. John was always eager to share a story or anecdote about his experiences. He was passionate about his work and seemed to epitomize the phrase “Do what you love and you will never work a day in your life.” Every interest was a new area for John to become an expert. He was a gifted musician, experienced hiker and hunter, art lover, antique dealer, gunsmith and history buff. He was a true renaissance man.

John shared many interests with his three step-sons. He and Steve spent hours fishing for walleye and swapped fish tales that grew with every telling. John looked forward to fishing on Lake Powell with Steve every spring and was never deterred by bad weather or lack of fish.

Hunting was a huge part of John’s life. It was a fervor he shared with Matt. Visits together were spent talking about their hunting experiences and arguing the morality of archery hunting.

John’s pride in the Marine Corps was passed along to his youngest step-son, Dan. It was John’s experience that made Dan want to become a United States Marine. When they weren’t discussing the Marines they were most certainly talking about rocks and fossils. Another topic John was well versed in and passionate about.

John had six grandchildren and each was so dear to him. They all have special memories of their Papa. Stephanie remembers listening to Ray Price while Colby thinks about the jokes they shared. Courtney loved fishing with John. Whether it was singing a special song to Adeline or playing tea party with Kamryn and Kara, each grandchild held their own spot in his heart.

John’s biggest passion and devotion was his wife, Doreen. His eyes always brighten when they were together. He affectionately called her “doll” and his love for her only grew with each passing year they were together.

John Kastner died April 9, 2018 in the exact manor in which he wished to go.

He is survived by his loving wife, Doreen, step-children Steve (Tanya) Basye, Matt (Jodi) Basye and Dan (Andrea) Basye, six grandchildren, and his siblings Joe Kastner, Myrtle Harris, Kathy Odneal and Alberta Pierce. He was preceded in death by his parents John and Sadie Kastner, his daughter-in-law, and father-in-law, Virgil Ray Lewis.

Services will be at 10:00am on Sat., Apr. 14, 2018 at Olinger Crown Hill Chapel of Peace with entombment to follow.