Lee Ann Kasten

Lee Kasten (Weiland), 66, of rural Hayti, South Dakota, passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, September 28, 2025. A vibrant personality with a spunky demeanor and quirky sense of humor, Lee was truly the life of any gathering and will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

The funeral service will be held 10:30 AM Saturday, October 4, 2025, at the Arlington Methodist Church with Rev. Joleen Pietrak officiating.

Visitation and viewing will be held on Friday, October 3rd, from 4:00PM to 7:00PM at Crawford-Osthus Johnson Henry Funeral Chapel in Arlington, SD. Viewing will be available prior to the funeral service. Graveside Service and burial will follow immediately after the church service at Arlington Cemetery.

Lee was born on August 7, 1959, in Great Lakes, Illinois, to Garold (Gary) and Charlotte (Char) Weiland. She attended and graduated from Arlington High School in 1978.

Lee was blessed with two great loves in her life. She married her high school sweetheart, Tom Mix, on September 2, 1977, at the United Methodist Church in Arlington, SD. Together they had three beautiful daughters: Heather, Nichole, and Kristen. After Tom's passing (1995), Lee was fortunate to find love a second time when she married Rick Kasten on November 29, 1999. Together, they built a good life together, sharing many good times and adventures. 

Professionally Lee was a hard worker. She worked at Larson Storm Doors in Brookings, SD for almost 20 years. She then went to Lake Norden and Estelline Nursing Homes as a med-aide and activities aide for the residents she grew to love.  She later joined the Hamlin School District, where she assisted in the lunchroom and study hall and enjoyed getting to know the students. 

Lee’s heart belonged to her family. She adored her daughters and was a proud and loving grandmother. Her home wasn't complete without her beloved "fur baby," Flossy. In her free time, Lee found joy in simple pleasures: the meticulous art of knitting and crocheting, the thrill of thrifting, and the lively atmosphere of craft shows. She especially cherished her time with her knitting friends, often attending retreats where she enjoyed meeting new people, learning new techniques, and finding inspiration in the projects of others. The "Darn Knit" group of ladies held a special place in her life, always bringing joy, laughter, and friendship. 

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the first responders from the Lake Norden, Hayti, and Hazel area. Your quick response, care, and compassion during our time of need will never be forgotten. We are deeply grateful for the support you provided. 

Lee is survived by her devoted husband, Rick Kasten of Hayti, SD. She is also survived by her three daughters and their spouses: Heather Joseph (Watson) of Eden Prairie, MN, Nichole Mix (Marci) of Austin, TX, and Kristen Sampah (Jerry) of Shakopee, MN.

Lee was the proud grandmother of six cherished grandchildren: Alessandra and Mikalah Joseph; Colin and Keely Fiedorowicz-Mix; and Amatey and Malia Sampah.

She is survived by her father, Garold (Jeanette) Weiland; her brother, Steve (Susan) Weiland; and her sister, Sue (Joel) Urban.

Lee will be missed by her nephews and their families: Bret, Andrew, and Eric Weiland, and Ethan, Tyler, and Jordan Urban.

She is preceded in death by her beloved first husband, Thomas Mix; her mother, Charlotte Piehl; and her grandparents.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be directed to the Hamlin School District lunch program. 

Arrangements have been entrusted to Crawford-Osthus/Johnson-Henry Funeral Chapel, of Arlington.

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