В Капе-Жирардоу с миром ушла 74-летняя Бренда Кастен после долгой борьбы с диабетом

CAPE GIRARDEAU — Brenda D. Bryant Kasten, 74, of Cape Girardeau peacefully passed away Monday, June 29, 2026, here after a long battle with complications from diabetes. She was born April 27, 1952, in Cape Girardeau to Jewell W. and Lila L. Bryant. She lived in Zalma until the family moved to Cape Girardeau in 1970. Brenda and Robert Kasten were married June 8, 1974, in Cape Girardeau. Brenda was of the Lutheran faith and enjoyed the music of gospel quartets throughout her life. She attended Zalma Elementary School and graduated from Zalma High School in 1970 as valedictorian. She received a Bachelor of Science in education from Southeast Missouri State University, majoring in mathematics. She also received a master’s degree from that institution at a later date. She enjoyed photography, crochet, sewing and working crossword and jigsaw puzzles and online games. She also enjoyed solving complex math problems. She won many ribbons from the SEMO District Fair for her crochet and crafts. For many years, she taught math at several locations, including Southeast Missouri State University and various high schools in the area. She operated her own small retail business in downtown Cape Girardeau, where she sold some of the handmade tablecloths, doilies and other items she created. She often sold to passengers of the riverboats who visited Cape Girardeau. Survivors include her friend, David Chapman of Cape Girardeau; two sisters, Vicki Ewing of Cape Girardeau and Deborah Weaver of Covington, Lousiana; a son, daughter-in-law and granddaughter. She is also survived by a number of loving nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles and friends. Brenda was preceded in death by her husband, Robert, on Aug. 12, 2005, and by her parents. Her family would like to thank Crown Hospice for its care and concern during this difficult time. A friends and family graveside service will be held at a later date. Crain Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Cape Girardeau is in charge of arrangements.