Carol Jean “Dutch” Ator, known by many as Mrs. Ator, passed away peacefully in her beloved hometown of Crete, where she spent nearly a century of life filled with love, grit and dedication to family and community.
Born on June 29, 1929, in Loup City, to William Casteel and Irma Conrad Casteel, Dutch was the youngest of the four spirited Casteel girls. In Oct. 1934, the family moved to Crete, where Dutch’s story truly began. With her signature firecracker personality, she was never one to back down or be told “no”— a trait that became legendary among her family and lovingly referred to as “the Ator in you.”
As a young girl, Dutch developed a deep love for horses. Her teenage years were filled with adventures alongside her favorite horse, Trixie, often riding down to the Blue River and even returning home with the occasional duck from a successful hunt. Her fearless and independent spirit shaped every part of her life.
Dutch attended Crete Public Schools, where fate would introduce her to the love of her life, Bob Ator. The two became high school sweethearts and were married in 1950. Together, they built a life rooted in family and were blessed with five children: Marti, Cathie, Karen, Rob and Chuck.
For more than 40 years, Dutch was a cherished figure in the Crete Public Schools community, where she drove bus #6, safely delivering generations of students to school events near and far. Her mornings at the bus barn, sipping coffee and sharing stories with coworkers, became a treasured ritual. Dutch’s care and dedication touched the lives of countless students, parents and educators alike.
A lifelong member of the United Church of Christ, Dutch lived a life of service, strength, and unwavering support for her family. She was the proud matriarch to a growing legacy, never missing a chance to cheer on her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and even great-great-grandchildren in all their endeavors.
Dutch is preceded in death by her husband, Bob Ator; her parents, William and Irma Casteel; mother-in-law, Mary Foreman Ator; her sisters, Dorothy (Chet) Shaw, Marion (Howard) Kastler, and Grace (Cal) Faw; nephew, Tom Kastler; and her brothers- and sisters-in-law.
She is survived by her five children: Marti (Gary) Williams, Cathie Lueders, Karen (Dave) Brandt, Rob (Janie) Ator, and Chuck Ator. Her legacy also lives on through her grandchildren, Nathan Lueders, Jeri' Williams, Erin Brooks, Megan (Robbie) Moore, Becky (Matt) Miratsky, Carrie (Drew) Kotil, Amber Linnertz, Bryce (Danielle) Brandt, Garrett (Betsy) Brandt, Skyler Brandt, Ethan (Mirrissa) Ator, and Alison (Will) Jeseritz; 18 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren; along with her nieces and nephews who she loved dearly.
Dutch will be remembered for her unwavering spirit, deep love for her family, and the countless lives she touched from behind the wheel of bus #6. Her story is a reminder of the beauty in living boldly, loving fiercely, and showing up for the people who matter most.
Visitation will be Thursday, May 1, from 5 – 7 p.m. at Kuncl Funeral Home in Crete. The funeral service will be Friday, May 2, at 10 a.m. at the United Church of Christ, First Congregational in Crete. Memorial contributions are suggested to First Congregational UCC Church, Crete or Crete Public Schools Trust.
Arrangements by Kuncl Funeral Home in Crete.
