Elbert ‘Roy’ Caster

Elbert “Roy” Caster, lifelong Union resident, passed away Wednesday, May 22, 2024, at his home surrounded by his loving family at the age of 95.

Roy was born November 13, 1928, in rural Union, Iowa, the son of Everett and Orpha (Carter) Caster. He attended Union High School and before completing his senior year, he enlisted in the United States Army in 1947. Roy earned his GED while he was in the service.  He was honorably discharged in 1951, earning the rank of Sergeant.  

On Dec. 27, 1952, he was united in marriage to Anna Julitta King at St. Mary Catholic Church in Williams. To this union, six children were born Ray, Barbara, Marlene, Mary, Paul and Margaret Mary.

Roy was a devoted member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Eldora and of the Union Legion Post #255. After being discharged from the Army, he went to work for the Union-Whitten School District for 27 years as a custodian and bus driver. In addition to working at the school, he owned Caster Meats with his brother Wayne and operated Caster Electric.

Family was everything to Roy. He loved to spend time with his kids and grandkids. Roy and Anna spent a lot of time traveling to support their many activities.

Roy was very active in the community of Union. He volunteered countless hours, served on the city council and was instrumental in the development of the South Hardin Recreation Area. Roy loved sports and kept score for the Union-Whitten boys’ basketball and football.  For many years, he coached baseball for the Junior American Legion. Roy was an avid fan of the Chicago Cubs and was a season ticket holder for Iowa State basketball and football for more than 20 years. For 34 years, Roy was on the Senior Golf League at the South Hardin Recreation Area.

Roy is survived by his son Ray (Mary) Caster of Edina, Minnesota; their children: Laura (Chris) Kendrick, James, Rebecca and Thomas; Joe (Kelly Henderson) Caster, Ethan; Alissa (Josh) Broesder, Aiden and Freya; daughter Barbara Cakerice, of Apex, North Carolina; her children: Renea (Larry) Wamsher, Adam (Kayla) Wamsher, Joe and Luna, and Julie (Jon) Lara, Royler, Sylas and Tayven; Ryan (Kim) Cakerice, Madelyn and Landon.  Daughter Marlene (Steve) Anderson of Apex, NC.  Their children, Jennifer (Russell) Copersito, Giada, Luca, and Nicholas; Stacey (Andrew) Bell, Anderson and Corinne; Teresa (Ryan) Huffman, Everett and Mallory.  Roy rejoins in Heaven, his wife Anna; his parents; his children Mary, Paul, and Margaret Mary; and his siblings Margaret Sanders, Wendell (Janet) Caster, Jim Caster, Reva (Ludwig) Dostal, Betty (Art) Posusta and his twin brother Albert Ray who died in infancy.

Mass of Christian Burial was set for 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 28, at St. Mary Catholic Church (614 Washington Street) in Eldora.  Family will greet friends one hour prior to the service at the church.  Interment with military honors will follow at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Eldora.

Visit Rasmussen Funeral Home online.