Bernard Frank Kastl was born May 13, 1921, near Bee, to John A. and Frances (Halvolic) Kastl and passed away Nov. 25, 2022, in Seward, at the age of 101 years, 6 months and 12 days.
Bernard grew up in the Bee area on the family farm where he attended Bee Community School. After the passing of his mother, Bernard helped his dad on the farm. In his younger years, Bernard loved dancing and listening to polka music. On June 17, 1947, he was united in marriage to Arlene Marie Moravec at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Ulysses and to this union, their daughter, Barbara, was born. Bernard loved farming and raising cattle and enjoyed making different things out of scrap metal. He helped build St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, where he was a longtime member and served as a church trustee for several years. After moving to Seward, Bernard became a member of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church. He was always a happy man and believed it was easier to smile than frown. While at Ridgewood, he made many crafts, including bird houses, crosses, race cars, helicopters and smiley cups. He loved gifting his handmade crafts to many family members and friends.
Bernard was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Arlene in 2019; two brothers, Ernest J. Kastl, and Edmund and wife, Mary Kastl.
Survivors cherishing his memory include his daughter, Barbara and husband, Ron Sypal, Lincoln; five grandchildren, Angela and husband, Matt Ross, Diana and husband, Doug Shum, Lora Sypal, Bryan and wife, Lisa Sypal, Kevin and wife, Laura Sypal; 15 great-grandchildren, Alyssa and Matthew Schefcik, Carter, Brandon, Jaden, Greyson, Kylie, Ellaina, Oliver, Madelyn, Claire, Isla, Fred, Margot, Ben and Philip.
Mass of Christian Burial was Nov. 29 at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Seward with interment at the Seward Cemetery. Condolences may be left for the family at www.zabkafuneralhome.com.
