Michael Kasper

1941 - 2015

Michael S. Kasper

Michael died at the age of 73 years old in Petaluma, California on March 31, 2015. He died at home surrounded by his family and loyal dog "Chip." Michael was born on November 20, 1941 to the late Stanley and Mary Kasper and raised in San Francisco in the Park Merced District. He attended St. Emydius and St. Cecelia's grammar school. Mike graduated from Lincoln High School where he earned a College Football Scholarship to the University of Notre Dame. After Mike's Freshman year, he transferred to the University of Nevada where he achieved All Conference honors. He had a great college football career and made many friends, who he remained in contact throughout the years.

Michael was drafted to the United States Army and served his country proudly in the Vietnam war. Upon returning home, he moved back to the Nevada area, then to Texas where his two sons were born. Mike and his family returned back to the bay area and settled in the Westlake District in Daly City. Mike was a business owner, Warehouse Distribution manager, and Teamster for the San Francisco Chronicle before he retired in the Cobb Mountain Area.

Mike enjoyed, hiking, kayaking, gardening and spending time with his friends and family. Mike became ill in 2009, which was attributed to Agent Orange exposure, while he served in the Vietnam War. The illness later evolved into Acute Leukemia. Mike never let his illness get him down. He remained positive and helped others along the way. Mike bravely chose to come home from the hospital on Hospice care. When he arrived at his home, his first request was to have his first cocktail in 25 years with his two sons.

Mike believed that a man's word was better than any contract. He also believed you should lead by example, work hard at your job, never say no to a friend or family member when in need, and being a father is the most important job there is. Mike was the cherished father to Jon (Jennifer) Kasper and Marc (Carla) Kasper. He was the proud grandfather to Jack, Ryan, Daniel, Michael, Gino, and Lorraine. Mike was the loyal brother to Dolores (Bob) Hicks and the late Donna Kasper. He also leaves behind his favorite aunt Mary Kasperowicz, his nephews Greg and Brad Hicks, Niece Terese Shanley, and many close friends. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Wounded Warrior Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org or 1-877-832-6997 in memory of Michael S. Kasper. Also, please remember the sacrifices made by our Soldiers, Police Officers, and Firefighters.

A memorial mass will be held on Monday, April 6th, 11:00am, at St. James Catholic Church located at 125 Sonoma Mountain Parkway in Petaluma California. A reception to follow. It was Mike's request to be cremated and his ashes spread in the waves of Kelley's Cove at Ocean Beach in San Francisco.