Gene A. Kaestner, 87 years old of Cleveland, Wisconsin, passed away on January 6, 2026. He was born on April 12th, 1938 in Plymouth, Wisconsin to Harvey and Luella (Machut) Kaestner. He grew up on a farm in rural Johnsonville and graduated from Plymouth High School in 1956. He served in the Wisconsin Army National Guard. While attending the Sheboygan County Fair, he met the love of his life, Kathleen Siegert, and they were married on April 30, 1960 at St. Mark’s United Church of Christ. They celebrated their 65th Anniversary last year.
Gene remembered milking cows since he was three years old. His dream of owning his own farm became a reality in 1962, when he and Kathy started Kaymead Dairy Farm. He and Kathy spoke German frequently, so that their kids and grandkids wouldn’t know what they were talking about while milking the cows. Gene was the 1973 Sheboygan County Outstanding Young Farmer and took great pride in his abilities to produce high quality milk for the former Osman Dairy. He was a proud producer for Henning Cheese Inc. He was involved in the Plymouth FFA Chapter, Sheboygan County Holstein Breeders Association, Dairy Herd Improvement Association (DHIA), 4-H Hog Project Leader, and Sheboygan County Fair Swine Barn Superintendent. In 1986, Gene and Kathy, along with their children Kristine, Patty, Gary, and Scott were awarded Farm of the Month for their beehive of activity and production on the farm. Progressive breeder award in 1977 and 1978. He was a huge supporter of the 4-H and FFA projects at the Sheboygan County Fair, even buying animals at the Meat Animal Sale, Small Animal Sale, and Dairy Sale of Champions. He served on the State Bank of Howards Grove Board of Directors for 25 years. Gene’s life was defined by his faith. He taught Sunday School at Saron United Church of Christ as a teenager. He was a member and served on the Consistory of St. Mark’s UCC. In 2004, Gene and Kathy retired from dairy farming and retained the land to raise crops until he turned 80. He enjoyed working for Vandoske Farms, filling in where needed with his tractor to help. He also enjoyed helping his friend, John Roehl with tasks around his farm. In the past few years, he was fond of watching Bob Vandoske and his team work the land, plant, harvest, and comment about how advanced farming has become.
Throughout the years on any given evening Gene could be found at Klemme’s Wagon Wheel with an array of dear friends. He especially liked Roger’s old fashions, and buying a round of jaggy on John. Polka music was his choice to listen to while at town festivals or while milking the cows. He loved discussing farming practices, driving around to see what others were up to and telling quick witty jokes to get everyone laughing, he enjoyed so many friendships. He was an avid Sheepshead and Skat player and would pick the blinds just because he was before you. One of his favorite activities to do every winter was recreate German heirloom family recipes for various sausages, especially the summer sausage; along with teaching his kids and grandkids this tradition. In later years, he and Kathleen would take an annual trip to Brandson, MO to be entertained at various shows, and he seemed to be famous at the Baldknobbers, making stage appearances several times.
Gene is survived by his wife of 65 years, Kathleen, and four children: Kristine (Dennis) Lubenow, Patty (James) Taylor, Gary (Sheri) Kaestner, and Scott (Ann) Kaestner. His eight grandchildren: Kayla Lubenow, Lucas (Erica) Lubenow, Kelly Lubenow, Walter Taylor, Andrew Taylor, Brandon (Shaliese) Cyr, Grant (fiance Hannah Lilje) Kaestner, and Ava Kaestner. His three great-grandchildren: Stella, Lucy and Charlotte Lubenow. He is further survived by extended family Gladys Palm and many nieces and nephews.
Gene is preceded in death by his parents, Harvey and Luella, along with siblings Roy (Barbara) Kaestner, Jeanette Moioffer, and Phyllis (Leander) Nohl, and extended family Reinhard (Joyce) Palm, Hans Palm, his inlaws Walter and Laura Siegert and brother inlaws Dr. Roger (Barbara) Siegert and Marvin (LaVerne) Siegert; nephew Timothy Nohl, and extended family Jayne List and Annette Ostrom
The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff at Rocky Knoll Health Care Center and Aurora Medical Center Sheboygan County for their care and compassion towards Gene and the family.
A funeral service will take place at St. Mark’s UCC, W1307 Orchard Rd., Cleveland, on Tuesday, January 14, 2026, at 11:30 a.m., with Pastor Keith Weiland officiating.
Relatives and friends may visit with the family at Zimmer Westview Funeral Home, W2132 Garton Rd., on Monday, January 12, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., and at St. Mark’s UCC, W1307 Orchard Rd.,Cleveland,on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at the CHURCH.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in his name to help support organizations he cherished.
Zimmer Westview Funeral Home is assisting the family. Online condolences and memories may be shared by visiting our website at www.zimmerfuneralhome.com.
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