Max L. Casteel

Max L. Casteel, 74, of Loves Park, Illinois, passed away peacefully with family by his  side on Wednesday, July 30, 2025 and is now in the presence of his Savior, Jesus. He  was born in Centerville, Iowa on August 25, 1950 to Thurman and Frances Casteel. He  was raised on a dairy farm in Lancaster, Missouri. One of his greatest memories was making hay with his dad and brother every summer. He participated in 4H and enjoyed  showing animals. He also loved training horses that were a bit wild. Max was also an avid fan of baseball and the St. Louis Cardinals.

Following high school he was employed by the Missouri State Highway Department. Max married Dianne Eason in Lancaster, Missouri on October 16, 1971 to which two daughters were born. Later they moved to Rockford, Illinois where he worked at Dierks Foods for the majority of  his career in food sales. After retiring from sales, his passion for work led him to a 26 year position at Kelly Williamson Tollway Mobil where he made long term relationships with coworkers and customers. His regular customers could count on Max to know what they needed even before they asked. Because Max loved working with people so much, one part time job wasn’t enough. His love of golf took him to Swan Hills Golf Course. For the past 19 years, it was Max’s smile that greeted everyone when they checked in for tee time. Again, he made numerous friendships and was cherished by many there. Getting to golf with his grandkids at Swan Hills was a dream come true. 

Max is survived by family including Dianne Casteel; daughter, Valerie (Christopher)  Wichael; daughter, Julie (Michael) Dierks; and numerous grandchildren who called him  “Papa Max” including Bradley (Willow) Wichael, Lydia Wichael, Laura Wichael, Brianna Wichael, Hannah Dierks, Emma (Peter) Giove, Samuel Dierks, Joseph Dierks, Lila Dierks, Gracie Dierks, Gus Dierks, Hank Dierks, Georgia Dierks, and Jedidiah Dierks.  He also adored his two great-grandchildren, Rocco and Molly Giove. He was also loved by cousins; a nephew, Jarrod (Heather) Casteel; and niece, Emily (Jerry) Meredith. A  special thank you to Pattie Camacho, Michelle Marks, Sherry Brunner and Gene Wax  for their loyal friendship. Max was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Rex Casteel.  

Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 7, from 4:00 to 6:00pm with Memorial Service to follow at 6:00pm at Honquest Family Funeral Home with Crematory-Mulford Chapel, 4311 N. Mulford Rd., Loves Park, IL 61111.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, stjude.org.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Max L. Casteel, please visit our floral store.