Robert Joseph Casper

Robert “Bob” Casper, 98, passed away peacefully and comfortably in Merrill, Wisconsin, on October 1, 2026.

Bob was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He enjoyed being around others, rarely met a stranger, enjoyed a wide variety activities and interests that filled his 98 years.

Bob is survived by his wife of 76 years, Delores Casper (née Kiesling). Bob and Delores were married on May 28, 1950, in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. They met through Bob’s sister, Dorothy, while Bob was serving in the United States Navy. While Bob was stationed away from home, he and Delores began writing letters to one another—a correspondence that became the beginning of a remarkable 76-year marriage filled with family, travel, faith, friendships, and countless adventures.

Bob and Delores were both graduates of Lincoln High School in Wisconsin Rapids. After high school, Bob joined the Navy in 1945. Following his military service, he used the GI Bill to attend the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, where he earned a degree in Biology and lettered in Men’s Golf. He later earned his Master’s Degree in Biology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Bob began his teaching career at Pittsville High School before joining the faculty at Merrill Senior High School, where he taught Biology for more than 30 years. Teaching was an important part of Bob’s life, and his influence extended well beyond the classroom. Even decades later, it was not unusual to be in Merrill and encounter someone who had “Mr. Casper” as their Biology teacher 40 or 50 years earlier—and who may still have a fond memory of dissecting a frog.

Bob proudly served his country as a United States Navy Veteran of World War II. He served as a Radio Intercept Operator stationed at Adak, Alaska, and was also a member of the Navy’s fast-pitch softball team.

A devout Christian, Bob was a longtime member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Merrill, Wisconsin and later Redeemer Lutheran Church in Sun City Center, Florida. His faith was an integral part of his life. Right up to his passing he participated in daily family devotions, sharing his faith with those closest to him.

Bob was deeply invested in community and professional service. Over the years he served as Lions Club President and a Church Elder, helped run the St. John’s Fair Stand, served as a NEA Union Representative and Science Department Chair, and was a Merrill Area Red Cross Leader. In retirement Bob and Delores participated in vision mission trips to Mexico through the Lions Clubs International Eyeglass Recycling Program.

Bob and Delores enjoyed an active retirement together. For approximately 20 years they were “snowbirds,” spending their winters in Port Isabel, Texas. For the last 10 years they made Sun City Center, Florida, their full-time home. At the end of July, they returned to Merrill, Wisconsin.

Travel was another special part of Bob and Delores’ life together. Among their favorite adventures were trips to Germany, a tour of Italy, a road trip to Alaska, and travels into Mexico. Bob loved these experiences and enthusiastically shared them through his extensively narrated “slide shows”.

Bob and Delores also shared a love of playing bridge and “debating” the previous evening’s results. They enjoyed square dancing, costume parties, other card games, Bible study, and hosting large family gatherings for holidays and special occasions. Bringing family and friends together was something they both truly enjoyed.

Bob was social, competitive, and loved sports and the outdoors. Over the years, he enjoyed hardball, fast-pitch and slow-pitch softball, tennis, volleyball, deer hunting, fishing, ice fishing, bowling, golf, poker, bridge, and sheepshead. Deer camp in Eagle River with many of his closest friends was certainly an annual highlight. Other hobbies included gardening, beekeeping, and hobby farming.

In his later years, Bob especially enjoyed his Friday night foursome of sheepshead and his Wednesday night poker game, valuing the camaraderie as much as the competition. He also enjoyed reading, breakfast with friends, following the Tampa Bay Rays, searching garage sales for decorative knickknacks—his “treasures”—and taking almost-daily golf cart rides to look for wildlife and keep up with the goings-on in Sun City Center.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Elenore Casper. He is survived by his beloved wife, Delores; his sisters, Dorothy Olsen of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, and Shirley Pionek of Stevens Point, Wisconsin; his five children, Peg Vidt (Daniel), James Casper (Ava, née Huber), Jane Frazier (Gregg), Timothy Casper (Susan, née Kobielus), and John Casper (Lisa, née Hoernke); eight grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren.

Bob leaves behind a family who loved him deeply and will miss him greatly. His 76-year marriage to Delores, his devotion to his family and faith, his dedication to teaching and community service, and his love of friendship, competition, travel, and the outdoors will be remembered by all who knew him.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at Taylor-Stine-Wade Funeral Home in Merrill, Wisconsin, 301 S. Eagle Dr. Viewing will be held from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m., followed by a short service and luncheon. Interment will take place at 2:00 p.m. at Forest Hills Cemetery in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin.

Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral & Cremation, Merrill, is assisting the family. Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinewaid.com