Joseph Francis Kasper

Joseph Francis Kasper was born in Des Moines, Iowa, on June 3, 1938, to parents John L. Kasper and Mary A. Kasper (nee Andrews). He had one sister, Juliana Kasper, who was born in 1947. Joseph graduated from Iowa State University in 1960 with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. He later achieved a Masters Degree in Education Administration in 1974 from University of Southern California. In 1960, he earned a commission as an Air Defense Artillery Officer in the United States Army via his university’s ROTC program. He was stationed in Korea and Germany before deploying to Vietnam from 1968 through 1969. After returning from Vietnam, he met the love of his life, Joy Faye Kasper (nee Hearn). They married on August 21, 1970. He adopted his children: Davis Francis Kasper, Marian Kay Kasper, Pamela Faye Jones, and Anna Rae Gilder. From 1970 to 1975 and from 1978 to 1979, he was stationed in Taiwan as a part of the United States Military Assistance Advisory Group (MAAG) Republic of China. While in Taiwan, the couple adopted their daughter, Anneke Joy Kasper.

From 1975 to 1977, Joseph was assigned to the United States Army Sergeants Major Academy (USASMA), where he was an instructor and director of support. Lieutenant Colonel Kasper retired from the US Army in 1982 at Fort Bliss, Texas, after 21 years of dedicated service. They adopted their youngest son, Spencer Kasper, in the early 2000s. Joseph stayed in El Paso, Texas, for the rest of his life, continuing to serve his country as an Army contractor until he finally retired. He spent many years after his retirement enjoying life at home with his wife and children. He passed away at home on February 7, 2024, at the age of 85. He is survived by his wife, Joy, his sons Spencer and Davis, and his daughters, Anneke, Pamela, and Anna. He also leaves behind his grandchildren, Haley and Diane Kasper-Pryseski, Danielle Kasper, and Harrison Gilder, and great-grandchildren Felix Pryseski and Koley, Kai and Swayze Kasper-Kolberg, who will honor and cherish his memory. Joseph was very loved and will be dearly missed.

A Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM on Monday, February 19, 2024 at Sunset Funeral Home- Americas, 9521 North Loop Dr., El Paso, TX 79907. A Celebration of Life wil be held at 1:30 PM on Tuesday, February 20, 2024 at St. Clement's Church, 810 N Campbell St., El Paso, TX 79902. A Graveside will follow at 3:00 PM at Fort Bliss National Cemetery, 5200 Fred Wilson Ave, El Paso, TX. Services entrusted to Sunset Funeral Home- Americas.

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