Elaine Casper

Elaine K. Casper, 86, of Melbourne died Saturday, August 15th, 2009 at Open Arms Elder Care in Belgrade, MT, while under the care of Bozeman Deaconess Hospice. A memorial service celebrating Elaines life will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, August 29th at St. John's United Church of Christ in Melbourne, with Pastor Linda Schmidt officiating. There will not be a visitation. She will be laid to rest in a private family ceremony at Rose Hill Memorial Gardens. Elaines family suggests memorials be made to St. John's United Church of Christ in Melbourne. For condolences, please visit www.mitchellfh.com. The Mitchell Family Funeral Home is caring for Elaine and her family, phone 641-844-1234. Elaine was born in Des Moines on December 2nd, 1922. She was the daughter of Charles and Martha (Fuhrman) Klingbeil. Elaine attended Van Cleve High School, graduating in 1940. She then attended the American Institute of Business (AIB) in Des Moines, graduating in 1941. On May 28th, 1948, Elaine was united in marriage to W. Harold Casper at the Evangelical and Reformed Church (St. John's United Church of Christ) in Melbourne. The couple lived in Marshalltown and Melbourne. Elaine worked for R.S. Stover, and along with her husband, they owned and operated Melbourne Hardware for 10 years. She was also a correspondent for the Melbourne Record and the State Center Enterprise. Elaine was member of Beta Sigma Phi, St John's United Church of Christ and Womens Fellowship, 50+ Club, Melbourne Saturday Morning Coffee group, American Legion Auxiliary, and a local potluck group that met monthly for over 50 years. Elaine loved to bake and cook. She enjoyed spending time with her family and was dedicated to her church. She and her husband traveled extensively to all 50 states, as well as many overseas destinations. Elaine is survived by her children: Mark (Phyllis) Casper of Kalona, IA, Brent Casper of Newton, IA, Lori (Ron) Liston of Belgrade, MT, and Anita (Gerald Miller) Casper of Williamsport, PA; her grandchildren: Adam Casper, Lucas (Emma) Casper, Micah Casper, Leah (Wes) McDaniel, Carolyn Liston, Sam Liston, and Nathaniel Casper Miller; great-grandchild Dinah McDaniel; as well as many friends. In death, Elaine has rejoined her parents, her sister Velda Alderson, and her beloved husband W. Harold Casper (January 2009).