Martin Joseph Kaster

With gratitude for his life, Martin Joseph Kaster’s family sadly announces his passing at the age of 83. To many friends and family, Martin was ‘Jay’ or ‘Marty’; in the early hours of Friday, May 29, 2026, Marty peacefully passed away at his final home while in hospice in St. George, Utah. Marty’s last days and passing were filled with devoted and attentive care. Born on October 13, 1943, in Green Bay, Wisconsin, Marty was the firstborn son of four children to Martin S. and Mildred M. (nee Bries) Kaster. Attending Catholic schools in his younger years, Marty proudly studied engineering at the University of Wisconsin – Madison and served in the U.S. Air Force stationed in Orlando, Florida with the 1365th Photographic Squadron as a photographer and motion picture cameraman. Making his career in real estate with his 1960’s family founded business - Province Realty in Green Bay, Wisconsin – Marty worked with his father, siblings and many dear colleagues. Marty continued his career in real estate in Mesquite, Nevada and made a home there as well. The sunshine of the Southwest was his ideal. Marty was an early riser, full of energy, he was an active and curious person. He always had a stack of books – often spy novels, absolutely enjoyed the calculated risk of BlackJack, had a tender heart for animals – would go on the guys’ hunting trip carrying a camera instead of a rifle, loved golf, was an excellent tipper, enjoyed a long, long walk on or off the golf course, had a sweet tooth and if you were lucky enough to hear him sing along with an Elvis tune, you would not forget it. Marty would share that he was astonished to have received the years he did, he deeply appreciated these years, at times experienced profound loss and beautifully continued to pursue and value love. Preceding Marty in death: his three daughters’ incomparable mother, Nancy M. Kaster (nee Duaime) - and - his wonderfully creative and devoted wife Debra L. McGlauflin. What a gift to rekindle a teenage romance late in life and have that blossom into steadfast and mutual adoration! Marty is survived by his extraordinary fiancé Kathryn Selner. Their relationship was abundant with vitality, mutual interest and acceptance; a true full circle, a homecoming and a new adventure all at once. A watchful and attuned person, Marty looked out for his three daughters until his last days, and they him. Marty unfailingly believed in the capabilities of his girls, he trusted them and that was a true gift. He is survived by all his cherished daughters: Daun Heilmann (nee Kaster) (Frederick), Amy Kaster (Dale Leibowitz) and Holly Kaster (Patrick M. Schroeder) and all six of his remarkable grandchildren Brittanny, Kolbi, Kai, Crosby, Zhi and Shea. As a big brother, Marty was comforted to expect he would be survived by all three of his younger siblings: Sister Marsaia Kaster, Richard Kaster and Nancy A. Kaster. His respect and regard for them was deep; he was grateful for their breadth of experiences together. If life would have given him more time, he would have joyfully spent it with them, playing cards, swapping stories and being sparkly like only that Kaster brood can be! There are brothers and there are friends, and sometimes you get lucky enough to get an extra and have that wrapped into one person; also surviving Marty is his brother-in-law, Mike McGlauflin. The family would like to thank Marty’s many caregivers over the last several years. There were numerous ups and downs for Marty, and as he pushed himself, they were right there beside him, doing the hardest of work. Marty and his family are thankful that you noticed him, listened to him with patience and shared a bit of yourselves with him. Gratefully, we recognize the staff at: Advanced Health Care, the Retreat at Sun River, Zion’s Way Hospice and Beehive Homes of Snow Canyon - all of St. George, Utah. Marty had a quick smile and would make you laugh if he could, whether he had known you for years or just met you. He lived fully and wanted every speck of life he could get. He was a tenacious and determined person, he was genuinely appreciative that he had made it as far as he did, and he wanted to be better. In lieu of a formal service, Marty would want us to spend some time doing something we enjoy that helped someone else and that made us better. If you are inclined, figure out something that you can do to make a softer landing for someone who needs it. It would do his, and our, hearts good to know you did it while thinking of him. Marty often supported veterans, animal shelters or just put some cash right into the hand of whoever needed it at the time. If you are moved to make a donation, consider this, or simply choose your favorite; no need to note him. Family and friends are invited to share condolences online at: www.SerenityStG.com. Thank you friends, thank you family. Be open and take good care of yourselves and take great care with one another.