Kasper, Clara Jean

Clara Jean Kasper, 80, died peacefully May 16, 2013, at St. Luke's Hospice Care Center.

She was born Dec. 29, 1932, to James and Florence (Decker) Shafer, in Cresco, Iowa,  and lived there until she enlisted in the Air Force. Along with three siblings, Clara served a full tour during the Korean War (1951-1955). After leaving the military as Airman First Class, Clara moved to Iowa City and attended the University of Iowa. While completing her B.A. degree in English, Clara met and married Joseph Kasper on Sept. 7, 1957. After graduation the couple moved to Cedar Rapids, where Clara balanced studies for her M.A. degree in journalism with raising a family in the home. Clara only left when age overtook her.

Five children are left to mourn the loss of their mother: Jim (Lucy Hansen), Jeanne (Mark) Kramer, Jaye, Jo Glovik and Joel. Clara also leaves eight grandchildren and one great-grandson, as well as her brother, Bill (Jeanice) Shafer; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Joe (2001); sisters, Maxine Williams and Dottie Shafer; and brothers, Eugene (Sonny) and Jim Shafer.

Services: 11 a.m. Monday at Cedar Memorial Park Chapel of Memories, where friends may call after 10 a.m. Monday. Per Clara's request, the casket will be closed at all times. Private family burial, with military rites: Oak Hill Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be given to the hospice of choice or the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (www.nmss.org).

Please leave a message or tribute to the Kasper family on the Web page, www.cedarmemorial.com under Obituaries.

Published May 18, 2013 in The Gazette