Wayne Casper

Wayne Harold Casper, 87, of State Center, died early Tuesday, January 6, 2009, at the State Center Nursing and Rehab Center while under the care of Iowa River Hospice. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 10, 2009, at St. Johns United Church of Christ in Melbourne, with Pastor Linda Schmidt officiating. Private family burial will be held at a later date. There will be no visitation. Memorials may be directed to St. Johns United Church of Christ. For condolences, please visit www.mitchellfh.com. The Mitchell Family Funeral Home has been caring for Harold and his family. Ph 641-844-1234.Harold was born on March 9, 1921, in Marshalltown. He was the son of Frank and Tillie (Diener) Casper. He attended school in Marshalltown and graduated with the Class of 1939. He attended MCC and graduated in 1941. Harold went on to attend Iowa State University and received a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering in 1944. He served our country honorably in the United States Navy from 1944-1946. On May 28, 1948, Harold married Elaine Klingbeil in Melbourne, Iowa. The couple lived in Marshalltown and Melbourne. Harold owned and operated Melbourne Hardware for 10 years. He later worked as a plumber for a number of years. He was a member of Melbourne Lions Club, St. Johns United Church of Christ, Melbourne 50 Plus, and a local potluck group that met monthly for nearly 50 years. Harold collected stamps and clowns, enjoyed gardening, and loved traveling, having visited every state capital. Harold is survived by his wife, Elaine; his children, Mark(Phyllis) Casper of Kalona, IA, Brent Casper of Newton, IA, Lori(Ron) Liston of Belgrade, MT, and Anita(Gerald) Casper of Williamsport, PA; and his grandchildren, Adam Casper, Lucas(Emma) Casper, Micah Casper, Leah Casper, Carolyn Liston, Sam Liston, and Nathaniel Casper-Miller. In death, Harold has rejoined his parents, Frank and Tillie.