Obituary of Rocky Casteel

Rocky Wayne Casteel, 52, of New Market, Iowa, passed away on October 23rd, 2023, in Omaha, Nebraska, after a hard-fought battle with cancer.

Rocky was born in Creston, Iowa, to Harold Casteel JR. and Sandra Williamson Casteel on September 12th, 1971. He grew up in Diagonal, Iowa, with his siblings, Chelle, Shawna, and Cory. He attended many schools throughout his childhood, but ultimately decided he was just ‘too cool for school’ and traded in his schoolbooks for workbooks doing oddball jobs. Later, he began working at Gummy Bear with his cousin Chuck, where they managed to terrorize the whole workforce.  Rocky then continued into other types of factory work and as a truck driver, and his last job was working maintenance at the New Market Housing Complex where his mother, Sandra, resided, where he could keep a close eye on her.

Rocky met the love of his life, Kimberly, in the year 1996. They became engaged years later, and though they were never legally married, they were husband and wife in their hearts and became inseparable. They had their first child, Sydney Ann, in August 1997 and their son, Joshua Wayne, in December 1998. In the year 2000, Rocky and Kim moved to New Market, where they would make their life together. Kim soon realized she was blessed with two miniature versions of Rocky, and life was never dull after that.

Rocky was a wonderful father and always made time for his kids whenever they needed it, even if it was moving Sydney from house to house 10 times throughout her young adulthood or teaching Josh about computers or working on vehicles. He had always wanted them to learn from him, even if a few cuss words were involved during the process.  Rocky instilled in his children how to be strong, independent, tough, caring and giving all at the same time.

Rocky is survived by his beloved wife, Kim, whom he loved so fiercely and wasn’t afraid to show it; daughter, Sydney Ann (Luke & Mattie); son, Joshua Wayne; mother, Sandra Casteel; father-in-law and mother-in-law Mike and Karen Woodard; his siblings, Shawna, Cory, Jodi (Mike), Pam (Ed), Mike, Harold (Terri), Jeremy, and Billy (Julie); his sibling-in-laws Michael (Brenda), Linda (Joe), and Pattie (Ed); many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins that loved him dearly, and of course, his beloved pals Hensley and Hazel along with many friends that will miss him.

Anybody who met Rocky would tell you that he was a jack of all trades, and he knew how to do just about anything… and if he couldn't, you can bet he was going to figure it out. He was a firm believer in getting things done right the first time. Rocky was our handyman, and he would help anyone who asked. Whether it was family, friends, neighbors, or even the town gas station.

Rocky was a man of many talents and hobbies. He loved to cook and made a mean pork butt.  He knew how to build computers and fly remote-controlled airplanes. He enjoyed shooting guns. He especially enjoyed his music, strumming on his guitar and singing. Even going to Creston and getting the guys together for a jam session.  In the warmer months, Rocky liked to go fishing with his many friends and family.  Rocky and Kim’s favorite date nights included going out to various ponds in their boat and trying to “out” fish each other. In the summer of 2022, Rocky began riding motorcycles again, which became a favorite pastime. He taught his son Josh to ride, and it wasn’t long before his father-in-law Mike joined in on the fun. His cousins Chuck and Bryan and a crew of guys would get together, travel through various towns, eat breakfast and just enjoy the ride.

He also just loved to be at home. You could find him sitting at his kitchen table with friends and family, drinking coffee, cracking jokes, and talking about the ‘good ole days’.

To know Rocky was to love Rocky!

Rocky is preceded in death by his father, Harold Casteel Jr.; his grandparents, John & Virginia Williamson; and Paul & Frankie Wilson; his sisters, Chelle & Deena; and his brother Jim; and his five uncles, Rod, Doug, Johnny, Clinton, and James.

The family of Rocky Casteel wishes to extend our sincere thanks to the doctors, nurses, and care teams at the Clarinda Regional Health Center and the University of Nebraska Medicine Cancer Center for providing the best possible care to him and treating him with the utmost respect and dignity during his stays in the hospitals.

A fellow friend that Rocky met while at the Cancer Center stated that Rocky was an inspiration to everyone there. That Rocky was a good man who gave everyone that he crossed paths with a reason to have hope and a reason to love.

Rocky Wayne Casteel we will forever be proud of you!