James E. and Kristena Casteel, died Tuesday May 9th, 2006 as the result of an auto accident near St. Onge, SD.

Kristena Hald and James Casteel were married September 24, 2004 in Sturgis and made their home on the farm and ranch near Vale.

James Emil Casteel was born November 27, 1964 at Sturgis, SD, to Kenneth and Theresa (Lorang) Casteel. He grew up attending the Wetz country school and graduated in 1983 from Sturgis Brown High School. He was a member of the National Honor Society and participated in FFA and 4 H and track. He received his bachelors degree in education with a minor in horticulture from South Dakota State University in Brookings, SD. He returned to the family farm and he also taught range management at the Sturgis campus of Western Dakota Vo-Tech. He continued his education by attending summer school to update his teaching credentials. Jim also enjoyed spending time with his nieces and nephews.

James' family includes his mother Theresa Casteel, Sturgis; brothers, John Casteel and his wife Julie and their children, Brittney, Stephanie and Brandon, Gillette, WY, Mike Casteel and his wife Sara and their children, Roy, Charley, Kenny, Henry, Vale, SD; sisters, Anna Maddox and her husband Mike and their children, James and Heidi, Grand Rapids, MI, Bette Butler and her husband Lane, Enning.

James was preceded in death by his father, Kenneth, and his grandparents.

Kristena and James enjoyed life. They attended rodeos and loved dancing. They appreciated family and friends and the country life. They were active in their church, but most of all they loved working together.

Burial at the St. Aloysius Cemetery in Sturgis.