Newest bishop is a family man with Northwest roots

Alfred Gunn

Special to the Gateway

Expressing appreciation to the members of the congregation he’s led since April 26, Bishop Darrin Kasteler, the newest bishop of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at Gig Harbor, said: “I don’t see myself as a conductor of an orchestra. I play an instrument, as each of you does. Jesus Christ is the conductor.”

Kasteler characterized his counselors in the Wollochet Ward bishopric, James Marsh and Sid Beers, as noble, humble, dedicated men, and said, “Our hearts are completely unified in serving you the way Jesus would have us serve.”

Kasteler speaks fluent Japanese as a result of two years of missionary service in Japan when he was a young ordained Elder. He and his wife Jennie were childhood sweethearts in the Pacific Northwest and courted after his mission when he attended the University of Utah. They were married a year before he was awarded a bachelor of arts degree in International Relations by Brigham Young University.

The parents of four, the Kastelers have lived in Gig Harbor and been actively involved in schools, sports and other community events for the past 12 years.

“This is our home and will be for many years to come,” he said.

For the past nine years, Kasteler has been the chief investment officer of a privately held investment company.

“In our families, we learn how to prioritize and give our best efforts to the most important things in life; things which usually take place within the walls of our homes,” he said. “I’m grateful for a religion that focuses on putting first things first.”

Kasteler has served in many positions in the church, including teaching in both the children’s and youth ministries and early morning seminary classes for teens. He previously served as a counselor to two bishops and served on the High Council of the Gig Harbor Stake, which includes six area congregations, when this call was extended to him.

“Some of the greatest joy in life is found in loving and serving those around us without thought of reward or acknowledgement,” he said. “As a bishop in the LDS Church, I experience that joy on a daily basis.

“The church is open to everyone,” he added, noting that missionaries in the Gig Harbor area extend an invitation to all.

Alfred Gunn is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at Gig Harbor. See www.mormon.org or reach him by e-mail at alf.gunn@juno.com.