Galen “Sonny” Clarence Casterton

The Lord called Galen “Sonny” Clarence Casterton home on October 5, 2024. Sonny was born on August 8, 1942, in Woodstock, Ill., to Anita Casterton. He was raised in Harmony, Minn., and graduated from Harmony High School in 1960.

He married Bonnie Kraling on August 17, 1963, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church (Big Springs) and together they raised three sons and celebrated their 60th anniversary in 2023. In Minnesota he worked as a businessman (owner of Harmony IGA and also farmed). In the late 1980s the family moved to Arizona where he was employed at Longust Distributing in various positions until his retirement.

Sonny loved horses and horsin’ around! His passion for horses started at a young age and continued throughout his life. You could always find a smile on his face when he was harnessing up his Percheron or Belgian draft team for a parade or a Christmas caroling hayride. (Santa sometimes made an appearance behind the reins!) Sonny and Bonnie were known to pack up and hit the road cross-country for horse sales and horse trading! Sonny had many friends in the horse community that he enjoyed visiting with and laughing with throughout the years. His sense of humor with jokes, stories and one-liners, kept everyone laughing – including himself!

Sonny is remembered by his sons Steve (Rosanne), Jeff (Annette) and Robert (Melissa); nine grandchildren, many great grandchildren, and family members Doug (Viviane) Richards, Diane (Tom) Boltik, Deb (Jim) Michel and Donna (Kent) Tammel.

Sonny was preceded in death by his mother Anita Casterton, his wife Bonnie, grandchild Faith, great-grandchild Rylee, and Aunt Arlys (Doug) Richards.

There will be a private family ceremony on December 16.

Any remembrances can be sent in Galen’s name directly to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E Flower St., Phoenix, Ariz. 85014.