Luther Harmon Caster, Jr., age 81, passed away on Friday, January 29, 2010, at the Skiff Medical Center-Monarch Unit. Luther was born on August 15, 1928, to Luther and Mary Ethel Hellyer Caster near Chugwater, Wyoming in Laramie County. He moved to Moravia, Iowa with his parents in 1940, and graduated from the Moravia High School with the class of 1946.

Luther worked for the Maytag Corporation a short time before enlisting in the US Navy on August 17, 1950. He was involved in the Korean Conflict aboard the USS Kishwaukee and the USS Arepuipa. Luther was Honorably Discharged from the Navy on June 14, 1954. He then returned to work at Maytag as a tool and die maker for 36 years.

Luther was united in marriage with Lois Jean Scott on September 29, 1956 in Moravia. Luther and Lois raised three children together: Pamela Jean, Mary Catherine, and Jo Ann.

Luther was a talented gardener who loved to share his produce with his friends and family. He also was a self-taught gemcutter and jeweler. He cut faceted gems and rocks and made many rings, necklaces, and pocketknives for those he loved. In his younger days, Luther enjoyed hunting and fishing, for which he made his own lures. Luther also was a member of the Moravia Historical Society, and he worked at the annual open rail car excursion many years.

Luther is survived by his daughter, Mary Catherine (Warren) Vander Leest of Sully; daughter Jo Ann (John) Wynn of Charles Town, West Virginia; step-daughter Pam Cyrene of Ipswhich, Massachusetts; seven grandchildren: Justin Vander Leest, Angela (Mark) Van Roekel, Megan Wallace and her fiance Chad, Rob Wallace, Matt Wynn, Chelle Wynn, and Nicole (Mitch) Bricker; and five great-grandchildren: Alicia, Travis, Ben, Tom, and Joshua Bricker.

Luther is preceded in death by his parents, his wife in 2008, his sister Osa Engelker, and his brothers Cecil, Wayne, Clyde, Floyd, Wrex, Raymond, and James.

Luther will be remembered as a loving father and friend, and will be missed by many.

PELLA VISITATION

Beginning at Noon, Tuesday, February 2, 2010
With family present 5:00-8:00 P.M.
Garden Chapel Funeral Home
Pella, Iowa

MORAVIA VISITATION

10:00-11:00 A.M. Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Church of the Nazarene - Moravia, Iowa

INTERMENT

11:30 A.M., Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Hillcrest Cemetery
Moravia, Iowa

LUNCHEON

Noon, Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Church of the Nazarene - Moravia, Iowa

MEMORIALS

Hospice of Jasper County

FAMILY

Daughters: Mary (Warren) Vander Leest - Sully, Iowa
Jo (John) Wynn - Charles Town, West Virginia
Pam Cyrene - Ipswich, Massachusetts

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