Lydia M. (Degner) Kasten, 100, Green Bay, went to her eternal home on February 26, 2012. The oldest daughter of the late William and Della (Schnell) Degner was born on November 7, 1911 in the township of Maple Grove. She married Arthur Kasten on September 26, 1931 and together they owned and operated a dairy farm in the township of Morrison until their retirement.  He preceded her in death on February 14, 1983.  Lydia also worked outside the home as a housecleaner for several families for some years until she became certified as a nurse’s aide.  She was then employed at Maple Crest Sanitarium for 10 years.  She also enjoyed working as a volunteer at Bethesda Thrift Shop in Green Bay for many years. She enjoyed doing many kinds of crafts including weaving rugs on the loom, needlework, quilting, crocheting and she used her artistic talent for painting with oils to create beautiful pictures.  Some of her paintings were on display at the Rahr Museum in Manitowoc.  Some of her favorite pastimes were playing cards, watching the Packers and Lawrence Welk.  She always had candy or cookies to pass out to visitors and she will always be remembered for her famous chocolate angel food cakes which she made for family and friends.  She was a faithful member of Zion Lutheran Church of Wayside and was a lifelong member of the Zion Ladies Aid. Lydia was a compassionate, loving and very special mother, grandmother, great- grandmother and great- great grandmother who enjoyed spending time with her family.  She will be sadly missed by many. She is survived by her five children and one daughter-in-law   Joy Brandt, Reedsville; Roger (Marcia) Kasten, De Pere; Betty Krueger, De Pere; Carol Borchardt, Greenleaf and Roy Kasten, Brillion; 24 grandchildren   Steve (Sandy) Brandt, Two Rivers; Wendy (Al) Nyberg, AK; Paul (Ellen) Brandt, Reedsville; Tami (Jim) Prust; Lori Brandt, AK; Mark (Shelly) Brandt, Reedsville; Robin Kasten, CA; Kim (Joe) Moceri, IL; Tracy (Roger) Kupsh, Green Bay; Susan (David)Balthazor, Il; Holly (Dean) Valentine, De Pere; Ryan (Dawn) Kasten IL; Richard (Deborah) Krueger, Appleton; Dan (Dena) Krueger, Kenosha; David Krueger, De Pere; Jeffrey (Vicki) Krueger, De Pere; Randall (Terrie) Krueger, De Pere; Jamie Krueger, Green Bay, Constance “Connie” Borchardt, Greenleaf; Lynne (Rob) Knuth, Reedsville; Michael (Theresa) Borchardt, Brillion; Craig Borchardt, Greenleaf; Kelly (Kevin) Burke, Greenleaf and Joshua Borchardt. Greenleaf; 32 great-grandchildren   Cory Nyberg, Nicole Nyberg, AK; Michael Brandt, Gabrielle Brandt, Reedsville; Stuart Prust, Erin Prust; Eutropia “Trophe” Brandt, Leviticus “Ticus” Brandt, AK; Quinn Moceri, IL; Kamry Kupsh, Connor Kupsh, De Pere; Brock Balthazor, IL; Dylan Valentine, Carley Valentine, Colton Valentine, De Pere; Keira Kasten, Kathryn Kasten, Carter Kasten, IL; Kaitlin Krueger, Kalan Krueger, Appleton; Dustin Krueger, Andrew Krueger, Kenosha; Erin Krueger, Matthew Krueger, De Pere, Megan Krueger, Cody Krueger, McKayla Krueger, De Pere; Miranda Sendek, Morganne Sendek, Reedsville; Cassidy Burke, Camryn Burke, Greenleaf; Caydance Rouleau, Greenleaf; 2 step great-grandchildren, Jessica and Cameron Balthazor, IL; 1 great-great grandchild Brandon Ohler, AK; further survived by nieces, nephews and other relatives. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Arthur; 2 sisters   Clara Eichhorst and Cora Eichhorst; 4 brothers-in-law   Elmer Eichhorst, Reuben Eichhorst, Meinhard Siebert, Frank Rahn; 1 sister-in-law, Lorraine Rahn; 2 sons-in-law, Elmer Brandt and Meinhard Borchardt; 1 great grandchild, Karissa Kupsh. The family would like to extend a special thanks to Marvin Borchardt and Steve Menden who together with the late Meinie Borchardt made visits to Mother and sang religious songs to her.  Also thanks to the Team members from Zion who visited and had devotions with her.  She really appreciated these visits.  Lydia was blessed to have a decorated tree in her room all year long to enjoy thanks to Shelly Brandt who did a beautiful job of changing the decorations monthly. Special thanks to her “family” at Wayside Parkview Estates for the love and care they gave her the years she lived there and also to Odd Fellow Home for the care they gave her these last years. Friends may call on Thursday, March 1, 2012 from 9 00 a.m to 11 00 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church, 8378 County Road W, Wayside, WI until the time of service.  Funeral service 11 00 a.m., at the church, with Rev. Steven Kline officiating.  Burial in the church cemetery. Nickel Funeral Home, Morrison assisting the family. We love you Mom and we will miss you.  We were so very blessed to have you all these years and have many loving memories to cherish.  You touched our hearts with your love, strength and kindness.  Till we meet again.