John C. Kast, 78, of Cashton, WI, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at the VA Medical Center in Tomah, WI after suffering from Parkinson’s Disease for several years.
John was born on his family’s farm on October 4, 1947, to Herman and Evelyn (Waters) Kast. He graduated from Cashton High School in 1966. Shortly after graduating, John worked up the courage to ask Diane Hemmersbach on a date. The two had been inseparable ever since.
In 1967, John felt the calling to join the Army. John became a tank driver in C Troop, 1st Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division. He was soon deployed to Vietnam.
After serving his country from 1967 to 1969, he returned home and embraced a new chapter in his life, marrying Diane on November 8, 1969, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Cashton. John worked at the Cashton Co-op Elevator for a year before pursuing his true calling, farming. He dairy farmed for over 30 years with his brother until selling the cows due to his health. Staying true to his passion for agriculture, he worked for 11 years at Cashton Farm Supply until his retirement.
John was a member of the Cashton American Legion Post #445 and the Cashton VFW Post #8584. He was proud to be a member of both the Cashton American Legion and the Cashton VFW Color Guard for over 40 years until he had to step back due to his health.
John enjoyed working and helping others. He also loved hunting, listening to country music, dancing, going on bus and motorcoach tours, and most of all, having a good time with family and friends.
John is survived by his loving wife of nearly 57 years, Diane; two sons, Brian (Melissa) and Jason (fiancé Jen Clark) Kast; grandchildren, Briana, Alissa, and Kenny Kast; sister, Betty (Alan) Anderson; brother, Carl Kast; brothers- and-sisters-in-laws, Caroline Tiedeman, Beverly Kotthaus, Janice Von Ruden, Linda Leis, Ronald (Ardith) Hemmersbach, Jerry (Beth) Hemmersbach, and Jacob Hemmersbach; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Evelyn, father- and-mother-in-law, Victor and Regina Hemmersbach; sister-in-law, Rose (Phil) Clark; and brothers-in-law, Dan Tiedeman, Wilfred Kotthaus, Donald Von Ruden, and Mark Leis.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, 11:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Cashton, WI. Father Matthew Bowe will officiate. Burial followed with full military honors in the Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Cemetery, rural Cashton. Family and friends were invited for visitation on Monday, July 13, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., with a rosary beginning at 3:30 p.m., at the Torkelson Funeral Home in Cashton. Visitation was also held on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church. The Torkelson Funeral Home of Cashton is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.
