Casper, Jerry Wayne (Crapser)

Jerry Wayne Casper (Crapser), 65, died Sunday, Feb. 7, 2010, at St. Luke's Hospital, Cedar Rapids, following a courageous battle with cancer. Services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday at the Goettsch Funeral Home in Anamosa. The Rev. Laurie Riley will officiate at the service. Friends may call from 4 to7 Wednesday at the funeral home in Anamosa. Interment will be at the Wilcox Cemetery, Viola.

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Jerry Wayne Casper was born May 5, 1944, in Anoka, Minn. He was the son of Sidney and Francis Menter Crapser. Jerry served in the United States Navy from September 1961 to April 1965. On Feb. 28, 1985, Jerry and Diane Rickels were united in marriage.

Surviving is his wife, Diane; four sons, Jason (Tamara Eiben) of Olin, Jake (Shannon) of Anamosa, Jamie (Courtney) of Anamosa, and Jerry Jr. (Melanie Seeley) of Anamosa; six grandchildren, Madison, Macie, Laney, Sophie, Kai and Drew; seven sisters, Marie, Anna, JoAnn, Shirley, Sylvia, Linda and Carol; and five brothers, Bud, LeeRoy, Joe, Chuck and Jim.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Christina and Mary Ann; a brother, Larry.

Jerry had a passion for the outdoors, including hunting, fishing and gardening. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and family.

Jerry worked as a chef and a painter. He worked at Wilson-Sinclair and Farmstead for many years. He also owned and operated Jerry's Live Bait for the past 20 years. He will be missed dearly by those closest to him.