William Gasper

WILLIAM P. GASPER

Lisbon

William P. Gasper, 51, of Lisbon (Sutliff), died Thursday, Dec. 8, 2016, at the Ed and Joan Hemphill Hospice Center at St. Luke's Hospital. Celebration of Life services will be held at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 13, at Brosh Chapel and The Avacentre, located at 2121 Bowling St. SW, Cedar Rapids, which will be followed by a luncheon. Friends may visit with the family on Monday, Dec. 12, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the chapel. Private family burial will take place at Czech National Cemetery at a later date. Bill will be wearing his camo, and the family encourages you to do the same if you wish.

William was born April 14, 1965, in Cedar Rapids, the son of Peter Paul and Jacqueline J. (Prasil) Gasper Sr. He graduated in 1983 from John F. Kennedy High School, where he enjoyed baseball and carpentry. Shortly after high school, he began 25 years of employment at Nash Finch, where he formed many lifelong friendships. "Wild Bill" was known at Nash as a hard worker but also as a cutup and prankster. He was quick-witted and made work more enjoyable for many.

Bill was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1998. He fought the disease in a stoic manner and was determined not to let it get the best of him. Even with MS, he was able to pursue many hobbies bowling, fishing, trapping, gardening, mushroom hunting, woodworking and riding his four-wheeler through the timber. Bill especially enjoyed hunting with his best friends, Scott Ogburn and Al Oltrogge. He enjoyed making his own wine, processing and smoking his own meat and fish, dehydrating, cooking from scratch, and, true to his Czech-Slovak heritage, making kolaches.

Bill was helpful to friends and neighbors. He stood up for those who could not help themselves and always wanted justice for the common man. In the end, an aggressive form of cancer took him away from his family.

The family wishes to thank the doctors, nurses and staff at St. Luke's Hospital for their attentive and excellent care they gave to Bill. Also, a special thank-you to Father Ivan Nienhaus for his continued support and encouragement. Bill found his daily visits very comforting.

Bill shared the last 11 years with Beth A'Hearn, the love of his life. He raised two beautiful and intelligent daughters, Emily, 21, and Lindsey, 18. He taught them to value education and to have respect for others and themselves.

He also is survived by his mother, Jacqueline (Prasil) Gasper; brother, Peter P. Gasper Jr.; sister, Theresa M. Gasper; nephews, Mitchell and Jeffrey (Megan) Gasper; and many aunts, uncles and cousins in both Iowa and Pennsylvania.

He was preceded in death by his father, Peter Paul Gasper, Sr.; maternal grandparents, Jerry and Frances (Drahos) Prasil; and paternal grandparents, Andrew and Anna (Podrasky) Gasper Sr.

Memorials may be directed to the charity of your choice in Bill's name.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.broshchapel.com.