Max E Castner

Max E Castner 1918-2014 Funeral service for Max E Castner, age 96 of La Salle, will be at St. Mathews Lutheran Church in Princeton Saturday, May 10, 2014 at 11:00 am. Pastor Scott Schmidt will officiate. Burial will follow in the Oakland Cemetery on May 10, 2014. The family will receive friends on Friday, May 09, 2014 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Norberg Memorial Home in Princeton, IL. Max E Castner passed away on Wednesday, May 07, 2014 at St. Margarets Hospital in Spring Valley, IL. He was born on Jan 06, 1918 in Princeton, IL to Rueben and Hazel (Strong) Johnson and later adopted by his aunt and Uncle Frank and Jennie Castner. He married Janet Wickey Castner on May 12, 1946 she preceded him in death. Max was a member of St. Mathew’s Lutheran Church in Princeton where he was actively involved on the church council and council president. He was an avid golfer and loved to play pitch. Mr. Castner was a member of the Board of Education of Princeton High School and served as board president for several years. Mr. Castner enlisted in the Army Air Corp in 1941 and was a Captain that flew 17 bombing missions as the co – pilot of a B24. On April 8 of 1944 their plane was shot down and he was a POW in Stalag Luft I for 13 months. Upon his return from the war Max and his brother Gail ran the airport that was located at City County Park. Mr. Castner ran Castner Steel Buildings until his retirement. He was also on the Township Board for 32 years. Max is survived by three children Jonathon (Cathy) Castner of St. Louis, MO; David (Pam) Castner and Linda (Jeff) Berry all of Princeton, IL. Surviving as well are 5 grandchildren, Christopher Castner and Amy (Dave) Whisler both of Florida, Michael (Tara) Robinson of Princeton, Kyle (Allison) Castner of Champaign, and Sean Castner of Chicago and 5 great grandchildren, Nicole and Molly Whisler of Florida, Chase Castner of Champaign and Aiden and Liam Robinson of Princeton. Mr. Castner was preceded in death by wife Janet, his parents and one brother Gail M. Castner. Memorials may be directed to St. Mathew’s Lutheran Church or Gateway Services. Online condolences may be submitted at norbergfh.com

Max E Castner

January 6, 1918 - May 7, 2014