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Murray, UT - Carolyn Elizabeth Dunford Kasteler passed away peacefully at home June 21, 2022, with her devoted husband and eternal companion, Ronald Dewitt Kasteler by her side after a courageous 5-year battle with colon cancer.
She was preceded in death by her precious son, Nathan, who lived only 10 months before returning home to his Heavenly Father.
Love of God, love of family, and love of others were Carolyn's guiding principles. Her abiding love for Heavenly Father led her to seek His covenant blessings in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints throughout her life. Accordingly, she married Ronald Dewitt Kasteler in the Salt Lake Temple on Aug 23, 1972. Together, they created a family that was built upon the Gospel of Jesus Christ. She looked outwards to the needs of others and taught her children to do the same.
She was the beloved mother of seven children—Aaron Kasteler, Nathan Kasteler (deceased), Elizabeth Douglas (David) Adam Kasteler, David Kasteler (Michelle), Stephen Kasteler (Victoria) and Kathryn Bolton (Blake) and the "Gramma" of Lydia, Nathan, Rachel, KarissaRae, Temana, Sekope, Emily, Eleanor, Thomas, Melanie, Owen, Peter, and Nora. She always made sure they knew she loved them, "So, so, so much."
Carolyn knew from the age of five that she wanted to become a nurse so that she could help others. She graduated magna cum laude from the University of Utah and spent most of her career in Pediatrics. She drew great joy and purpose from being a nurse. Working with her friend and colleague, Kaye Tanner, she founded "Angel Watch"—a pediatric hospice company that helped expectant parents to celebrate life as they grieved the loss of their unborn or newly born children. Her sensitivity and loving nature helped soothe the pains of many Utah families. Determined to the end, she compiled some of the stories and experiences of those in this program into a book, Watching Over Angels, which was self-published miraculously just days before her death. Her fervent desire to serve others is an example to all of us.
Carolyn had a zest to learn new things and was an accomplished pianist and gardener. She loved to create beautiful things, including quilts, art, and fairy gardens. She loved creating experiences and memories for others. Neighbors will remember plates of cookies, barbeques, donuts, and personal visits. She also planned and organized several fundraisers to better her local community. She was not afraid of hard work or being inconvenienced. She served all her adult life in many church leadership roles, most recently in the Relief Society with a glad and devoted heart. Life was not just half-full to Carolyn; it was full to the brim with goodness and joy.
Carolyn's deepest desire was to become more like her Savior, Jesus Christ, and to do all in her power to bring people unto Him by sharing His love. She purposely looked for daily "HOGIMLs"- an acronym she coined for the "hand of God in my life." She knew that because of Him, true and lasting happiness can be experienced. Carolyn came closer to this ideal than most. To know her was to feel His love. Carolyn's example taught all around her to be profoundly grateful and find joy in any circumstance. Her last act of service was to have her body donated to the University of Utah for medical research.
In her passing, she was reunited with her parents, Love Clayton and Elizabeth Dunford, and brothers Carlos, David and his wife Janet, and Doug Dunford.
She is survived by her remaining brothers and sisters, Carlos's wife (Judy), David's 2nd wife (Judy), Gayle Wilson (Randon), Doug's wife (Annette), Robert Dunford (Jill), Dan Dunford (Penny), Gloria Lloyd (Rob), and John Dunford (Pam).
The family would like to thank all of the countless medical personnel who rendered compassionate care for Carolyn over the past five years. We are eternally grateful and will not forget your kindness.
A memorial gathering will be held Sunday, June 26 from 6:00-8:00 pm at the Murray Utah Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 160 East 4600 South, Murray, Utah 84107. Friends are welcome.
Funeral services to honor Carolyn's amazing life will be held Monday, June 27 at 11:00 am at the same location. Friends are welcome to pay their respects beginning at 10:00 a.m. Services will be livestreamed at: murray25.org https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/deseretnews/name/carolyn-kasteler-obituary?id=35346032
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Cathy Daines (Hall)
The world is such a richer place because Carolyn was in it. She was always so positive and gracious. What a delight! Honored to have known her.
Sally Peterson (Brinton)
Carolyn was a bright light in this world. She was genuine, loving and thoughtful. We will miss her! Sally Peterson Brinton
Theodore E. (TED, TEDDY, Theo) Kanell
Carolyn: I will miss you deeply. Our Days from Bonneville Elementary on will be missed. Ted Kanell
T (Todd) Johns
As Ted mentioned, we all went through Bonneville, Clayton, and East High together. Carolyn was alwasy so bright and positive and incredibly talented. I remember she played in the concerto concert when we were seniors. May her family and all those who knew her be comforted at this tender time.
Kristi Stagg (Rich)
Carolyn is a beautiful example for us all. She was a bright and creative friend. I send love and peace to her family and friends.
Jayne Cannon (Steenblik)
My heart is heavy with the recent passing of Carolyn, a bright light in my life. As students at the U of U my husband Glen and I lined her up with Glen's good friend Ron. They immediatly fell in love and married 3 months later. Ever since, we have been close treasured friends, helping eachother raise our kids, attending a dinner/study group for 51 years, traveling together, and supporting eachother in the challenges and joys of life. My kids endearingly called her "Aunt Carolyn". We all loved her optimism, cheerfulness, crazy fun, love of music, unwavering faith, and loving friendship. Carolyn was an angel on earth and now a true heavenly angel. She will be sorely missed.
Judy Hollberg
I knew Carolyn from the first day of school at Bonneville. We attended the same ward together tho I wasn't as faithful as she was. She is the nicest person, it's hard to think she had to go through 5 years of suffering. It shouldn't happen to people that nice, they definitely don't deserve it. May her family remember her for the angel she was her entire life- they don't come much better than her😢😘
Holly Williams (Schelin)
I didn't know Carolyn all that well, but my memories of her involve her constant smile, her darling laugh and her sweet spirit. My prayers are with her family at this hard time.
Julia Bridges (Edwards)
Condolences to family and friends of those who have recently passed away. It's apparent that many of you knew and shared friendships and memories throughout elementary, Jr High and East High School. Those friendships last forever and are priceless.I moved to the area in 1961,I entered 5th grade at Douglas Elementary, attended Roosevelt Jr High, 7,8 & 9th grade, East High, 10,11 & 12th grade, graduating with the Class of 1969.
I made some wonderful friends, increasing my circle of friends at each new school. I knew some of you only casually if at all due to there being so many in our class of '69.
Hopefully, all of you are making "Summer Memories" with family and friends.
Julia Bridges Edwards
Kate Whitney (Neilson)
Carolyn, I didn't know you that well, but I am grateful for the kindness and service you gave to new parents and infants just coming into this world. What a special lady your were.
Kate Whitney Nielson