March 21, 2026

Linn County News

Published March 25, 2026

Rachel Carlene Kastl, age 92, Blue Mound, Kan., passed away Thursday, March 19, 2026.  She was born on Feb. 14, 1934, in Blue Mound, Kan., the daughter of Carl and Lorene "Peach" Hohenstein Horton.

Carlene's early years were spent traveling as her dad worked on the pipeline. She attended six different schools her first grade year. Later the family came back to Blue Mound and she attended Washington Country School. She graduated from Blue Mound High School in 1951. Music was a very important part of Carlene's life. She sang at showers, weddings, and at the Blue Mound Federated Church, where she was a member. One of her favorite songs was Over the Rainbow.

After high school, she worked as a bookkeeper for Joe Rei Service Station, then for Hallmark Cards, and Farmers State Bank. She was united in marriage to her high school sweetheart, Ralph Kastl, on July 31, 1955. She worked at the Blue Mound Post Office and helped at Ralph's Service, which is still in operation. Carlene was a member of the Order of Eastern Star, helped with the Easter Egg Hunt, was active with Ralph in the MG Club, and loved collecting gnomes.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ralph; and a brother, Paul Horton.  Carlene is survived by three children, Randy Kastl (Joyce), Tony Kastl (Kim), and Tammy Harvey (Marty); six grandchildren, Blake, Jacob, Laura, Marissa, Jayla, and Shelley; and twelve great-grandchildren who called her "GiGi".

Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Blue Mound Bible Church. Burial will be in Sunny Slope Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 pm Monday , March 23, at the Schneider Funeral Home, Mound City Chapel.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Blue Moon Youth Center or Phoenix Hospice.  Online condolences can be left at www.schneiderfunerals.com.