Kenneth Kastelitz

On April 18, 2024, Kenneth Edward Kastelitz of Livingston, MT, passed away at his home surrounded by his family. He was 83 years old.

Born in Butte, MT on August 3, 1940, he was the first-born son of Edward and Edna Kastelitz. He was joined by three siblings; Raymond, Judith and Marybeth. After short stops in Anaconda and Townsend, MT, the family moved to Livingston in 1945. 

A 1958 graduate of Park County High, he went on to attend Western Montana College in Dillon. 

On September 7, 1962, Ken married Shirley Anne Orr in St. Anthony, ID. The couple raised five children and were married for nearly 60 years until Shirley-Anne’s passing in March of 2022.

After a one-year stint with the Livingston Fire Department, he went to work for the city of Livingston holding a variety of positions for nearly 40 years. He finished his career as Superintendent of Public Services.   Ken was known for his initiative, a cool head in emergency situations, patience, innovation, team work, and his extraordinary community spirit. He had a real talent for special events and support of movie and television production, which included A River Runs Through and The Horse Whisperer.  He retired on August 30, 2002, but his community involvement did not end there. 

Many will remember Ken as their Little League or Pee Wee baseball coach. Many more will remember him and his passion for planning community events including, “Oktoberfest” and “Summerfest by the Yellowstone” which he organized and ran for 11 years until 2010. His final year with Summerfest included three days of outstanding music for both young and old, nearly 100 venders and car show. His tireless efforts were spurred by his devotion to the communities’ park and recreational activities.

A result of his life experiences, Ken earned many nicknames including: “Kenny”, “Mr. Summerfest” “Poppo,” the ‘Man with nine lives’, the ‘Miracle Man’, the ‘Peopleoligist’. 

Ken was proceeded in death by his wife Shirley and his brother Ray.  He is survived by; sisters Judy (Don) Bluhm (Minneapolis, MN), Marybeth (Brendon) Rohan (Butte, MT), children Pamala Belston (Joliet, MT), Brian (Bonnie) Orr (Clarkston, WA), Kevin Kastelitz (Bozeman, MT), Sherri Prior (Mesa, AZ), Tanya (Kurt) Versland (Livingston, MT). He is survived by 15 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren.

As he requested, there will not be a memorial service. The family will be holding a private celebration of life at a future date. The family is planning a memorial bench in Sacajawea Park, the park he loved. Please send donations to Park Bench Memorial, 114 S. 9^th, Livingston, MT 59047.