Lillian Patricia Jasper

Lillian Patricia Jasper

Manchester

Lillian Patricia Jasper, age 95, of Manchester, Iowa, passed away peacefully on December 12, 2025. She was born on March 17, 1930, on the family farm near Petersburg, Iowa, the daughter of Arthur and Marie (Ferring) Lueck. Lillian received her education at S.S. Peter and Paul Catholic School in Petersburg, where she built a foundation rooted in faith, family, and service.

Lillian met the love of her life, Merlin “Mert” Jasper, at a local dance. They were united in marriage on June 17, 1950, at S.S. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Petersburg, and together they celebrated 72 years of devoted partnership. The couple made their home in Manchester in 1951, where they raised their family and built a life filled with love and community.

A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, Lillian’s greatest joy came from spending time with her family. She had a green thumb and took great pride in her beautiful gardens. A talented seamstress, she lovingly sewed bridesmaid dresses for her daughter’s wedding and Halloween costumes for her grandchildren. Her dedication to youth and community was evident through her 25 years of volunteer service as a 4-H Leader and Clothing Project Leader.

Lillian’s Catholic faith was the cornerstone of her life. She was a longtime and active member of St. Mary Catholic Church, where she served as a Eucharistic Minister. She was a charter member of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas, Our Lady of Fatima Study Club, and the Hospital Auxiliary. Lillian also gave generously of her time volunteering at the Good Neighbor Home for many years. She enjoyed sewing, gardening, playing cards with friends, and most of all, sharing meaningful time with her loved ones.

She is survived by her four children: Dr. Duane (Rhonda) Jasper of Independence, Iowa, Dan Jasper of Phoenix, Arizona, Carolyn (Ernie) Mills of Janesville, Wisconsin, and Michael (Annette) Jasper of Gilbert, Arizona. She also leaves behind nine cherished grandchildren: Katherine (Lloyd) Rogers, Elizabeth (Cameron) Piechota, Jessica Jasper, Brian (Emily) Jasper, David (Kayla) Mills, Rebecca (Ari) Brouwer, Cole (Peyton Hiett) Jasper, Max (Katie) Jasper, and Maximus Jasper; and six great-grandchildren: Wyatt, Hadley, and Theo Mills, Colter Jasper, Karter and Kennedi Jasper. Lillian is also survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Mary Jane (Charles) Boerner; sister-in-law and brother-in-law Norma (Jim) Wilhelm; and brothers-in-law Tom Jasper and David Brunkan.

Lillian was preceded in death by her infant son, Mark; her beloved husband, Mert; her parents; father- and mother-in-law, Al and Clara (Heiring) Jasper; her brothers, David and Dennis Lueck; her sisters, Helen Witte Bartels and Marian Brunkan; brothers-in-law, Herb, Bill, and Eugene Jasper, John Witte, and Dale Bartels; sisters-in-law, Helen, Joyce, Roseann, and Joan Jasper, Marilyn and Sandy Lueck.

Lillian’s legacy of love, generosity, and faith will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

The family requests that memorials be directed to: The Meadows, Manchester, Iowa; Lexington Estates (Buchanan County Health Center), Independence, Iowa; or Cedar Valley Hospice, Independence, Iowa.

Online condolences may be sent to www.leonard-mullerfh.com.

Mass of Christian Burial: 10:30 a.m., on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Manchester, Iowa, with Reverend Gabriel Anderson officiating.

Visitation: 3:00 to 6:00 p.m., on Friday, December 19, 2025, at Leonard-Muller Funeral Home in Manchester, Iowa. Friends may also call after 9:00 a.m. until 10:15 a.m. at the church on Saturday.

Interment: St. Mary Catholic Cemetery, Manchester, Iowa.