Merton A. Gasper

Age 80, passed away at his home on Monday, September 22, 2003. Mert was born in Kimberly on March 1, 1923, son of the late Abel and Vivian (Skirlock) Gasper. He was forced to suspend his high school studies in order to enlist in the United States Air Force, Red Arrow Division, and has long been a proud member of the William Verhagen Post #60 American Legion. In the late 1960’s, he returned to his high school studies and received his diploma from Appleton East High School in 1970, along with his son Al. Mert was also a member of the Kaukauna Moose Lodge, and playing cards there with friends was a favorite pastime. For many years, Mert was employed as a turbine engineer at the Kimberly Clark (Mid-Tec) mill in Kimberly. An active and longtime member of Bethany Lutheran Church in Kaukauna, Mert enjoyed traveling when his health permitted.

On June 10, 1977, he married his wife Laura; she survives. Other survivors include five daughters: Mary (Jim) Palmbach of Appleton; Margie (Mike) Paradise of Hilbert; Florence Blair of Menasha; Susan Krzyzaniak of Fond du Lac; Barbara (Mike) Gostas of Appleton; two sons: David (Julie) Gasper of New Hampshire and Allen (Joni) Gasper of Appleton; ten grandchildren; nine-step-grandchildren; twenty-six great-grandchildren; four sisters: Mabel Immel of New London; Mary Rusch of Appleton; Margaret (Henry) Drews of Sheboygan; Lois (John) Bleck of Wausaukee; two sisters-in-law: Carol Gasper and Beverly Gasper, both of Appleton.

Merton is also survived by Laura’s children: Bea Lederer of Appleton, Betty (Donald) Mulry of Sparta, Bonnie (Dan) Reichel of Kaukauna, Kay Gast of Appleton, Karen Gast of Little Chute, Lynne (Ben) Collins of Kaukauna, Debbie (Dave) Churchill of Hortonville, Fawn (Bill) Peterson of Tucson, AZ, Susan (Steve) Hansel of Appleton, Laurie Gast of Appleton, Gary Gast of Appleton and his fiancée Chris Kuhn, and George (Bitsy) Gast of Appleton. He also leaves behind numerous step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren.

Mert was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Ray and James Gasper, a sister Rose Pulera, previous wives Margaret and Lorraine, and by Laura’s sons Harold and Martin Gast.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 Noon on Thursday, September 25, 2003 at BETHANY LUTHERAN CHURCH, 124 W. 10th Street in Kaukauna with Rev. Walter Steinbach officiating. Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery, Appleton. Friends may call directly at the church on Thursday from 10:00 AM until the hour of the services.

FARGO FUNERAL HOME
400 W. Wisconsin Avenue
Kaukauna, WI 54130
920-766-6200