Robert Jerry Kasper

Robert "Bob" J. Kasper, 97, of Mansfield, Ohio, passed away peacefully on January 24, 2025. Born on March 1, 1927, in Berwyn, Cook County, Illinois, to Helen Hajek, originally from Austria, and Jerry Kasper, born in Czechoslovakia, Bob led a life marked by dedication, service, and love for his family and community.

Bob graduated from West Tech High School in Cleveland, Ohio, in June 1944, and soon after enlisted in the Army Air Force in September 1944. He proudly served his country and was discharged in January 1947. After his military service, Bob went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Case Institute of Technology in May 1950.

In his early career, Bob worked for International Harvester Motor Co. in Fort Wayne, Indiana, before returning to Cleveland in 1952 to work as an electrical engineer at Tocco Induction Heating. It was during this time that he met the love of his life, Marilyn Cervik, through the Sokol Organization, and they were married in May 1952.

Together, Bob and Marilyn had two children, Debra, born in 1956, and Michael, born in 1958, and raised them in Cleveland, where Bob was an active member of the local community. In 1961, he became a Master Mason at Laurel Lodge #657 in Cleveland, a distinction he held with pride.

In 1976, Bob and his family relocated to Mansfield, Ohio, where he took on a new work assignment at Globe Steel. There, Bob continued his dedication to community involvement, joining the Mansfield Shrine Club of the Cleveland Al Koran Shriners and becoming an active member of the YMCA and the Sokol Gymnastic Organization. His commitment to physical fitness, service, and community was a cornerstone of his life.

In 1985, Bob helped to start Electronic Data Systems (EDS) at Mansfield Stamping, continuing his career in engineering and technology. During these years, his family continued to grow. Bob celebrated the birth of his three grandsons: Marcus, born in January 1987; Matthew, born in April 1991; and Lucas, born in July 1993. He took great pride in his role as a grandfather, cherishing the time spent with his grandsons and watching them grow.

Bob was also a devoted member of the Mansfield Congregational Church, where his faith and love for others guided his actions. His life was a testament to the values of hard work, faith, and community service.

Bob is survived by his beloved wife of 75 years, Marilyn; son Michael and his wife Linda; his three grandsons, Marcus, Matthew, and Lucas; and his two great grandchildren, Charlotte and Jackson. He will be deeply missed by his extended family and countless friends who were fortunate enough to know him. He will live on through the many lives he touched with his unwavering commitment to making the world a better place.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Debra; and sister, Geraldine. He leaves behind a lasting legacy in the hearts of his family, friends, and many who were touched by his generosity and wisdom.

Family and friends will gather for visitation from 9:00 AM until 10:00 AM, Thursday, September 11, 2025, at Wappner Funeral Directors, 98 South Diamond Street, Mansfield. A memorial service for both Bob and Marilyn, who recently passed on August 22, 2025, will follow at 10:00 AM. Friends are invited to join the family for a luncheon at the Life Celebration Reception Center located at 129 S Main St, Mansfield following the service. Bob and Marilyn will be laid to rest at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery.

Wappner Funeral Directors-Mansfield is honored to serve the Kasper family.

Bob’s family takes comfort in knowing that his spirit will continue to inspire and guide them, and his legacy of love, service, and community will live on forever.