Bernard E. Casper

Bernard E. “Bernie” Casper, 85, passed away peacefully at St Agnes Hospital on December 30, 2021.  He was born May 15, 1936 in Marytown to the late Gregor and Marcella (Nett) Casper.  He attended St. Mary’s Catholic grade school in Marytown and graduated from New Holstein High School, Class of 1954.  On September 27, 1958 he married the love of his life, Marlys Schneider, at St John the Baptist Church in Johnsburg and they enjoyed 63 years of marriage.

He and Marlys together owned and operated a mink ranch for 23 years while raising their family.  It was during these years that he instilled on their children a strong work ethic.  He worked at Mercury Marine for 38 years and actively served on the Calumet Fire Department for 40 years, acting as chief and assistant chief for 11 of those years.  Even after active duty, you could find him at the fire station each week preparing lunch for the fire crew.  He led his family and community by example.

Bernie took great pride in his yard and wintering the geraniums that would beautify their gardens each summer.  His past time was filled with cracking hickory nuts that he was able to do even with his Parkinson’s until just a few short months ago.  Above all, Faith and Family were the most important to him.  Bernie and Marlys made weekly visits to the adoration chapel in Chilton for 20 years and they spent daily prayer time together.  His family was his greatest joy and he was very proud of his children and grandchildren.  

He is survived by his wife, Marlys, his eight children; Dan (Kelly) Casper, Joan (Terry) Braun, Paul (Mary) Casper, Sandy (Bruce) Schneider, Lois (Chris) Leitner, Dave (Kelly) Casper, Mary Jo (Rick) Weber and Bob (Stacy) Casper; 20 grandchildren, Tyler Karls; Emily (Nick) Drury, Tony and Kyle Braun; Beth (Ryan) Doll, Aaron (Lindsey) Casper, Nicki (Shane) Conner; Russel (Lindsey) and Ben Schneider, Matt (Becky) Leitner, Katie (Tom) Walters, Zach Leitner; Brett (fiancée, Rachel Beil), Sami and Calvin Casper; David and Sarah Weber; Isabella, Zander, and Addison Casper and 6 great-grandchildren.  A sister, Marie (Alvin) Van Treeck; in-laws, RoseAnn (Harvey) Petrie, Janet (Jerry) Lauby, Pat (Gene) Klapperich, Dave (Rose) Schneider, Mary (Jim) Pitzen, Gary (Kathy) Schneider; as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his mother and father in-law, Harold and Catherine Schneider, his brother Gerald (Janice) Casper, grandson, Kevin Schneider and a great granddaughter.

Bernie’s family invites friends and family to a time of visitation at Zacherl Funeral Home from 4 PM until 7 PM on Tuesday, January 4, 2022. A visitation from 10 AM until 10:45 AM will take place Wednesday, January 5, 2022 at St. John the Baptist in Johnsburg. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 AM. Entombment will take place at Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum.

Bernie’s family would like to give a special thank you to the 6th Floor nursing staff at St. Agnes Hospital for their loving care. 

“The Love of a Family is One of Life’s Greatest Blessings”