Barbara "Jean" Caspersen

Barbara Jean "Jean" Caspersen
April 15, 1948 – October 29, 2025

Barbara Jean Caspersen was born on April 15, 1948, to Barbara Ruth Ward and Gustav Kuper at the Clínica Bíblica in San José, Costa Rica. She spent much of her childhood in Managua, Nicaragua, where her mother served as a missionary and her father worked as a locksmith. Her mother and father divorced and then her father remarried Vicki and moved to Venezuela, through this marriage she gained 3 half siblings: Anna, Rose Marie and Gustavo Kuper. Jean spent time in both Nicaragua and Venezuela in her preteen years. As she grew older, she began to shy away from the name "Barbara," and was lovingly known instead as Jean, Jeanie, or "Bobby Jean."

Jean cherished her childhood in Nicaragua. She formed deep, lifelong friendships with fellow missionary children and many Nicaraguans who became like family to her. After her formative years abroad, she attended Toccoa Falls High School in Georgia, where she again gained many treasured "brothers and sisters" in Christ, though not related by blood.

Following high school, Jean lived with the Jones family-fellow missionaries from Central America-in Escondido, California and attended Palomar College. It was there that she met the love of her life, Curt Caspersen. The two were married on June 20, 1968, and made their home in Escondido, where they lived for the rest of their lives together. They welcomed two children: Kevin in 1974 and Jill in 1976.

Jean worked for Drs. Stanley and Lenartz for many years before beginning a long career in medical transcription. She transcribed from home for more than 30 years, which allowed her flexibility to attend Kevin and Jill's countless sporting events and school activities. She rarely missed a game and could always be found cheering from the stands. Curt and Jean were faithful members of Emmanuel Faith Community Church for more than five decades.

One of Jean's greatest joys was being "Nana" to her six grandchildren and two great-granddaughters: Lucas, Levi, Rianna, Zachary, Hannah, Maggie, Milani, and Leila. She loved each of them dearly and will be remembered with deep affection by all.

Jean entered hospice on September 24, 2025, after complications from abdominal and intestinal surgery on August 21. She was received into Jesus' loving arms on October 29, 2025, at the age of 77 years, 6 months, and 14 days. Her unwavering faith sustained her throughout her life and especially during her final trial. Her family rests in the blessed assurance that she is now in glory.

Jean is survived by her devoted husband, Curt, and her beloved family:

Kevin, Larissa, Zachary, Hannah, and Maggie Caspersen of Edgerton, MN

Jill and Linn Roose of Pella, IA

Lucas and Brianna Roose of Solon, IA

Levi and Cassidy, Milani, and Leila Roose of Des Moines, IA

Rianna Roose of Des Moines, IA

Anna Kuper of Ecuador, RoseMarie Kuper of Venezuela and Gustavo Kuper

She will be forever loved, deeply missed, and joyfully remembered.

Please join Jean's family for a Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at 1pm at Emmanual Faith Community Church in the Chapel with a reception following the service. As Jean would have wanted, the family asks for casual dress or colorful attire for the service. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be directed to Su Refugio, Ichthus Kids, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association or the San Diego Humane Society