John Kaspari

John R. “Jack” Kaspari, 92, of Crooked Lake, Balsam Township, MN passed away, surrounded by his loving family on October 19, 2019 at Bethesda Hospital in St. Paul, MN.  Jack was born on Oct. 31, 1926 in Lisbon, ND to John and Florence Kaspari and grew up on their farm south of Sheldon, ND with his younger siblings David and Sharon. Jack attended school in Sheldon and graduated from high school in 1944.

During World War II Jack served in the navy in the Pacific Theater. After the war he attended North Dakota State University where he met the love of his life, Blanche Bednar. Jack and Blanche were married in 1953 at St. John’s Church in Lidgerwood, ND and soon settled on their own farm just north of his parents. Jack worked the farm and taught high school math and science in Sheldon. In 1965, after completing his Masters in Science at the University of North Dakota, he and Blanche moved with their growing family to Hibbing, MN, where they raised eight children.

Jack taught physics and aeronautics for twenty-two years at Hibbing High School, where he oversaw the renovation of the physics lab and developed the aeronautics program. He is fondly remembered by his colleagues and students. After retirement Jack volunteered his time and talents to many local community projects and organizations. He made several trips to St. Vincent Island in the West Indies to help build homes for families in need.  Jack and Blanche shared a deep Catholic faith. An important part of his spiritual growth was their involvement in leadership of the Cursillo movement, where they built many strong and lasting friendships.

With the help of Blanche and the kids, Jack hand-built their retirement home on Crooked Lake. Over the years their home has been a precious getaway for their children and grandchildren. Jack’s love, support, and inspiration will carry his children and grandchildren throughout their lives.

May his memory be a blessing to us all.

Jack is survived by his wife Blanche, sister Sharon (Bob) Magill and children; Richard (Carla) Kaspari and Bradley (Patricia) Kaspari of Minneapolis, Robert Kaspari, (Br. John Mary, fbp) of St. Paul, Colette (Steve) Kruc of Fridley, Phil (Mary) Kaspari of Delta Junction, AK , Steve (Susan) Kaspari, Somersworth, NH, Patrick (Stacey) Kaspari of Eureka, CA, Kathleen (Mike) Lauer of Golden Valley, and many beloved nieces, nephews and in laws.

Grandchildren: Jonathan (Lani), Emily, Jeanne, James, Rachel, Rebecca, Matthew, Leah (Gheorghe), Andrew (Chelsea), Kathrine, Anne (Paul), Elise (Steve), Grace, Jackson, William, Andrea, Christian, Isabella. Great-grandchildren:  Jacob, Benjamin, Olivia, Emilia.

Jack was preceded in death by his mother and father, his brother David, and his sister Josephine.

Memorials may be given to Habitat for Humanity Minnesota.

Wake will be 6:00 to 8:00 Friday evening 10/25 at Dougherty Funeral Home in Hibbing. Rosary at 7:00.

Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 in the morning Saturday 10/26 at St. Cecelia’s Catholic Church, 326 2nd St Nashwauk, MN 55769. Visitation one hour prior to service.

Burial ceremony will be 1:15 p.m. Tuesday 10/29 at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis, MN.