David LeRoy Kastler, beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother, passed away peacefully on July 16, 2025 at Javon Bea Hospital, Rockford, IL.  He was born on January 4, 1953 to Leroy and Gulborg Kastler in DeKalb, IL.

David was a 1971 graduate of Waterman High School.  He went on to obtain an Associate Degree from Kishwaukee College, Bachelor of Science degree from Southern Illinois University-C and Master of Arts degree from University of Northern Iowa. On April 14, 1973, he married his high school sweetheart, Diane Talbert, in DeKalb. Together they raised a daughter, Meredith and a son, Andrew.

In January 1978, he began a career with Deere & Company that would span 35 years.  During that time, the family lived in Liverpool, NY, Hanover, PA, Waverly, IA and Waterloo, IA, making many friends along the way.  Upon retirement, David and Diane returned to DeKalb County, settling in Sycamore.

David was a quiet and kind man, known for his steady presence, warm heart and gentle sense of humor.  He enjoyed the simple pleasures of life—a round of golf on a sunny day, the peacefulness of camping and driving his golf cart at Pearl Lake, and a good game of cards or dominos with friends and family.  After moving back after retirement, he started volunteering at the NM Cancer Center in 2013, sadly becoming a patient there himself from 2017-2025.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Diane, daughter Meredith McGuffey, son Andrew (Liz) Kastler, grandsons Nathaniel and Kameron McGuffey, siblings Janet (Dan) Davis, Judy (Steve) Straley, Jill Kastler, Rick (Judy) Kastler, Jerry (Beth) Kastler, his aunt Wilma Kastler, sister-in-law Dawn (Gaby) Diaz, brother-in-laws Duane and Darrell (Gina) Talbert and several cousins, nieces and nephews.

A celebration of David’s life will be held at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the David Kastler family in care of Anderson Funeral Home, 2011 South Fourth Street, DeKalb, IL 60115 or the NM Cancer Center, 10 Health Services Drive, DeKalb, IL 60115.

For information, visit www.AndersonFuneralHomeLtd.com or call 815-756-1022.