Josephine Kastigar

JOSEPHINE KASTIGAR (nee Dumpelnik) age 99, beloved wife for 39 years of the late Frank; loving mother of Natalie Bowser (husband Jack), Margaret Leden (husband Robert, deceased), and Elenore Backman; devoted grandmother of Jessica Bowser (husband David Turkaleski), Victoria Insley (husband Matthew), and Thomas Bowser (LeeAnn), David Leden (wife Dani) and Erich Leden (Nicole), and Richard Backman (Caitlyn), and great-grandmother of Adrianna and Bella, Maggi, Eve and Derek, and Rick IIII and Henry; cherished daughter of the late Thomas and Natalie (nee Oros) Dumpelnik; dearest sister of Angela, Martha, and the late Hanzel, Agnes, Richard, and Mark; dear aunt and great-aunt of many.

Josephine was born on March 15, 1924, in St. Stefan, Austria, where she grew up on a farm and learned many life skills and the value of hard work. Upon the completion of her education, she continued to work on the family farm. After WWII she began to work in the kitchen of a restaurant. It was during this time that she met a charming young Frank Kastigar, whom she would later marry on February13,1950. Together, Josephine and Frank immigrated to the United States arriving at Ellis Island on Feb. 7,1952. Like many others, their journey led them to Cleveland, Ohio, where they would meet many fellow Slovenians and make new friends. During their 10 years in Cleveland their family of two became a family of five. Both strong in faith and proud of her heritage, Josephine remained a lifelong Parishioner of St. Mary of the Assumption in Collinwood. There she belonged to the Altar Society and enjoyed helping with the church’s fundraisers. She was also an extremely active member of Slovenska Pristava Pensioners, KSKJ, and the Slovenian Women’s Union. During this time, she worked a part-time job all while raising a family.  In retirement, she made time to volunteer, bowl on two leagues, play Bolinca, crochet, bake, garden, and dance the Polka. Her love for polka dancing extended to her children, whom she taught at a young age. She also enjoyed playing cards with friends and especially her grandchildren. Josephine adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and made sure everyone felt special on their birthday and every holiday celebrated at her house. Even her granddaughter’s pugs were showered with her love when they visited and were fed a large amount of kielbasa. This fun, loving woman, with a great sense of humor earned her rest on May 18, 2023, leaving her family and friends missing her ability to be there for them whenever they need it most.

Contributions may be made in memory of Josephine to St. Mary Church or Hospice of the Western Reserve. Mass of Christian Burial Friday, May 26, 2023, at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, 15519 Holmes Ave, Cleveland, OH 44110, at 10 AM. Burial following at All Souls Cemetery. Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Josephine at THE ZEVNIK-COSIC FUNERAL HOME OF WILLOUGHBY HILLS, 28890 CHARDON ROAD (between Bishop Rd. and Rt. 91) THURSDAY 3-7 PM.