GEORGE CASPERSON

George Casperson, 86, of Neenah, passed peacefully on February 6, 2012, at Creek View Nursing Home, Evergreen Retirement Community, Oshkosh, WI. He was born in Neenah on June 30, 1925 to George U. Casperson and Jessie B. (Baird) Casperson and was a graduate of Neenah High School. During World War II George enlisted in the Navy at age 17 and proudly served his country as a Pharmacists Mate 2nd Class. He was stationed in the Pacific Theatre of Operations on the USS Neville APA-9 (Attack Troop Transport). He was awarded three battle stars for participation in action in the Gilberts Islands, Marshall Islands, and Marianas operations from November 1943 through June 1944. He also received a Letter of Appreciation from the Commander, Carrier Division Twenty Four, Pacific Fleet for highly efficient care and treatment of survivors of the aircraft carrier, USS Liscome Bay, which was torpedoed and sank off Makin Island. After the war, George returned to Neenah and worked at the Neenah Paper Mill. He first saw June Ann Hewitt sitting in another booth at a local caf and immediately told his friends he was going to marry her someday and on March 19, 1949, George did, and she was the love of his life. In February 1951, he was recalled to active duty and assigned to Tripler Hospital, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii to help provide treatment for wounded veterans in the Korean conflict. Incredible as it seems today June and George and their 6 month year old son, Steven, lived in a little cottage on Waikiki Beach with a view of Diamond Head. After his honorable discharge in 1952, the family returned to Neenah. In early 1953, their second son, John, was born. George and June were inseparable and enjoyed 55 wonderful years of marriage. He was generous with family and took pleasure in exploring the country taking them on numerous camping trips vacationing from coast to coast as well as Canada. He was also an active participant with his sons in the Cub and Boy Scouts. A professional firefighter for the City of Neenah for 28 years, George rose to the rank of Captain before retiring in January 1983. He volunteered as Santa on the annual city sponsored float and he and June independently dressed up as Santa and Mrs. Claus to spread Christmas cheer throughout the community. Together they would deliver many hundreds of Junes homemade cookies to surprised children and elderly shut ins. George was highly regarded by his peers and community for his integrity, problem solving, and team approach. Upon his retirement the Neenah mayor and council honored him by giving him the Key to Paper City . George enjoyed retirement with his wife and family, grandchildren, and great-grandchild. He especially enjoyed vacationing with family throughout the country, Canada, and Mexico. As part of their 50th wedding celebration they travelled throughout England, Scotland, and Wales. During retirement he became active at the Neenah YMCA, participating in the informal group known as the Early Birds ; volunteered at the Neenah Historical Society, reconnected with high school classmates for monthly breakfast get-togethers, and was very proud of being a lifelong Mason with over 58 years of brotherhood. George was preceded in death by his beloved wife; June Ann (Hewitt) Casperson on January 22, 2005; and his brother, Harold. He is survived by his children: Steven Casperson, De Soto; and John (Cynthia) Casperson, Neenah; two grandchildren: Russell, Neenah; and Andrew, Neenah; and two great grandchildren; and cousins. The family is grateful for the support and friendship of the many people who knew George throughout his life and especially thankful for the care and support provided to George and his wife, June, by their friend, Daniel Beyerl. A memorial service for George will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, February 11, 2012 at Neenahs Westgor Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 9:00 A.M. until the hour of service. Memorials to Evergreen Retirement Community are appreciated. The family extends special thanks to Evergreen Retirement Community for their care and compassion for George during his stay in assisted living at Sharehaven as well as the months of care provided by the Creekview North Nursing staff. The family also expresses appreciation for the compassionate hospice services provided by the Aurora Visiting Nurse Association during the last several months.