Mary L. Kastanek, age 78, of Syracuse, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by family on December 31, 2025.

Mary was born on May 27, 1947, in Lincoln, to William and Minnie (Dorsch) Schwartman. She grew up on the family farm near Eagle before moving to Syracuse. Mary experienced loss at a young age when her father passed away when she was 11. Mary later gained a stepfather when Minnie married Lenhard Hespen.

Mary graduated from Syracuse High School. On March 1, 1970, Mary was united in marriage to James “Jim” Kastanek in Swanton, NE. She worked for seven years at Wheaton’s Glass Factory in Syracuse, before dedicating herself to her family full-time.

Mary had a wide range of interests and passions. She bowled for many years and participated in bowling tournaments in Nebraska along with several other states, with her team sponsored by Kastanek Trucking. She loved her extensive collection of roosters and chickens and enjoyed displaying racing memorabilia from Sprint Cars and NASCAR. Mary was an avid fan of the Kansas Jayhawks and Kansas City Royals. She also enjoyed embroidering quilts, hand towels, and pillowcases, tending to her vegetable garden, camping, fishing, watching races at Eagle and Knoxville, and taking drives to watch bald eagles.

Mary is survived by her husband, Jim Kastanek; daughter, Tonya (Dave) Sacks; son, Jason (Vicky) Kastanek; grandsons Justin and Jordan Sacks; step-grandchildren Tysen and Blake Baker; siblings Wilma Masters, Phyllis Short, Bill Schwartman, Ronnie (Onalee) Schwartman, Jane (Gary) Clark, Roger Schwartman, and John Schwartman; along with many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Minnie Schwartman; stepfather Lenhard Hespen; twin brother Gary Schwartman; father-in-law and mother-in-law Ervin and Doris Kastanek; sisters-in-law Cindy Kastanek, Donna Kastanek, and Karen Schwartman; brother-in-law Larry Masters; nephews Kennon Schwartman, Jay Short, and Rick Short; niece Tammy Cozad; and a niece’s husband Jon Carlson.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 11th from 12-3 p.m. at the Fair Center in Syracuse, located at 135 Plum St.

Memorials are suggested to the family for later designation.

Arrangements By: Fusselman Allen Harvey Funeral Home, Syracuse, NE

Condolences to www.fusselmanallenharvey.com

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