Cheryl Kastar

Cheryl Kastar, surrounded by many family members, entered peacefully into the presence of the Lord on January 31, 2023 at the age of 75. Cheryl was of second generation Finnish descent, born April 9, 1947 in Hancock, Michigan as Reuben and Elmi Jurva’s first child. She graduated from John A Doelle High School in 1965 and went on to graduate from Suomi College (the only Finnish College in the USA) in 1967. Shortly thereafter Cheryl married Alden Kastar and they moved to East Jordan, Michigan before moving back to Upper Michigan, and beginning their family and settling in Wakefield, MI. In 1983 they moved to Seldovia, AK for one year, but enjoyed it so much stayed for 8 years. They then moved to Palmer, AK which has been their home for 32 years. Cheryl chose to stay at home to raise 7 children. The kids still can smell the many wonderful loaves of homemade rye bread, nisu, and pannukakku that Mom made weekly.

Cheryl and Al’s Christian faith has always been an essential part of their lives. Over the years Cheryl has served as a church treasurer/secretary, youth group leader, school trip chaperone, on women’s missionary league, Stephen minister, and on missionary outreach trips to Northway, AK.

After most of the kids reached high school age, Cheryl graduated from the University of Alaska, Anchorage with a degree in Culinary Arts. She worked for some years in a private home in Peter’s Creek caring for about 12 Alzheimer patients and the Pioneer Home for Veterans in Palmer. She later worked, and retired, as a cook at North Star Residential treatment home for teen boys. Cheryl, Al, and family enjoyed many drives out of the state every year to visit friends and relatives in Michigan, and numerous other states, often tent camping along the Alcan. Trips to Finland, Sweden and Mexico were highlights for Al and Cheryl as well. Whether caring for Alzheimer’s patients, juvenile teens, children’s friends or anyone along the way, her compassionate heart, arms, and door were always open to all.

Cheryl is survived by her husband of 55 years; Al Kastar, brothers Lee and Lou Jurva, seven children and nine grandchildren. Children: Aleisha (spouse Rick) Walton, Eleanor, Senia, Noah (of ND, ME, WA, TX); Josh Kastar (Alaska); Stacey, Angelo (of HI); Philip (spouse Joanna), Abigail, Elias (Alaska); Jonah (spouse Misty), Kai, Kadence (Alaska) ; Anna (spouse Aaron), Lila (Alaska); Jon (Alaska). Memorial/Burial service will be at the Elo Cemetery, in Elo Michigan, July 2023.

Her family is extremely grateful for the wonderful support of ANCORA Hospice workers who impressed us with much needed kindness, care, treatment, and respect. Thank you also for Hearts and Hands of Care for personal support and respite care for Cheryl and Al.

In lieu of flowers please consider donations to Heart Reach Center (heartreachalaska.com) or Alaska Mission for Christ (alaskamissionforchrist .org) in Cheryl’s name.