Michael Kasper

Michael A. Kasper, 76, passed away peacefully at home on January 12, 2023, after a 15 year struggle with Parkinson’s Disease.  Born May 22, 1946, in Chicago to Alex and Anne (Jakovich) Kasper.  He attended McClellan Elementary School and Tilden Tech High School.  He received his BS degree from Illinois Institute of Technology in Industrial Management and his MBA from the University of Illinois.

He served 3 years in the United States Army in White House Communications.  He was initially stationed at the White House under President Nixon but spent most of his service with President Lyndon B. Johnson at the Texas White House.  In between the service and graduate school, he worked as an intern for Swiss Air in Zurich, Switzerland and was able to travel throughout Europe and visited relatives in Croatia.

He met his wife of 46 years in graduate school.  They moved to Belvidere, IL.  Mike earned his CPA while working for Motorola, in Schaumburg, IL.  He then became controller at the Broaster Company in Beloit, Wisconsin.  He moved on to be controller at Enzyme Bio Systems for 20 years until the company was sold.  During that time, he enjoyed being on the company Bowling Team and golfing at many Wisconsin courses. 

He was civic minded.  He was appointed to the Belvidere Fire & Police Commission, and for years served as the Treasurer of the Boone County Parks and Conservation Foundation.  He was the accountant for St. James Church in Belvidere until his Parkinson’s made it too difficult.  He was an active parish member being a lector at church and a member of the Knights of Columbus.  He was Grand Knight and chairman of the annual Tootsie Roll Drive for many years.

Mike participated in a spin class for Parkinson’s for over 10 years and later a boxing class for Parkinson’s. He and Mary were blessed with all the Parkinson’s friends, and the support system they provided over the years.

He is survived by his wife Mary, son Michael P. Kasper, daughter Anne (Craig) Kasper Campbell, grandson Logan Campbell, and nieces, Jen, Melinda, Debi and Lynn.  He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Jane Mancillas, and brother-in-law Raul Mancillas.  Donations can be made to St. James Church, St Vincent de Paul, or the Michael J. Fox Parkinson Foundation. A visitation will be held from 5:00 P.M to 7:00 P.M. with a Rosary service said by the Knights of Columbus at 7:00 P.M. on Thursday, January 19, 2023. Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Friday, January 20, 2023, at 11:00 A.M. at St James Catholic Church in Belvidere, IL. Interment will take place at St. James Cemetery, in Belvidere, IL.