Tommy’s Story

Site created on March 13, 2018

In early January, my brother, Tom Kasper, started having problems he attributed to gallstones.  After several doctor visits and imaging studies, he was diagnosed with metastatic esophageal cancer.  And so this site was established to share information with family and friends.  

Newest Update

Journal entry by Beth Brace

Thomas “Tommy” J. Kasper, age 56, Sun Prairie, WI, died at home on Saturday, April 21, 2018 surrounded by loved ones.  He was born to James and Bernadine (Schriver) Kasper on Oct. 28, 1961, grew up in Columbus, WI and attended Columbus High School.  He worked for many years installing fireplaces and tending bar.  For the past eight years, he was a driver for Badger Cab. Tommy also attended the Amish vegetable and flower auctions and sold produce to friends, family and neighbors.  He enjoyed hunting, fishing and drives in the country.  He loved to host gatherings and always made sure no one left hungry. He was in his glory when the driveway was filled with cars and there were ribs on the smoker.

Tommy is survived by his, father, James Kasper of Fall River, siblings Denise (Richard) Dornbrook, Beaver Dam, Douglas Kasper, Pardeeville, Beth Brace, Madison, Mark Kasper, Richland, MO. Patti Soter, Fall River, and his many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his paternal and maternal grandparents his niece, Destiny Chase and his mother, Bernadine Kasper.  He will be greatly missed by an eclectic mix of friends, neighbors and his family, but none will miss him more than his faithful companion, Gunner.

Visitation will be at the Jensen Funeral Home, Columbus Thursday, April 26th from 5:00 – 8:00 PM.  The funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m. at St. Jerome Catholic Church, Columbus, on Friday, April 27th, with visitation from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the family.

Beyond the life-altering experience of walking this path with my brother, I have been changed forever by the love and kindness I have witnessed and shared with my and Tommy's family, friends, neighbors and co-workers.  I have become re-acquainted with the joys of living in a rural area.  My daily walks in the marsh and woods have provided me with solace, time for reflection about Tommy's life, about my life, about things that are important and things that are not.  I have been reminded of the connection that rural neighbors weave as they come by to plow the snow, to bring us food, to sit with us and comfort us.  These are the reasons Tommy wanted to be at home.  Because even though he was dying, he knew the love, strength and comfort that he would need was right there, in the home that he created with his heart.  Rest in Peace Tommy.

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