Henry Kasper

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HEINRICH GERHARDT KASPER

Heinrich Gerhardt Kasper, better known as Henry Kasper, was born April 1, 1931 in Grunthal, Manitoba. Henry passed away on February 11, 2014 at Bethesda Hospital in Steinbach while recovering from the effects of several strokes. He is survived by his wife Helen, of Steinbach and his four daughters: Carol & Barry Krentz (Steinbach), Janice & Mitch Toews (Chilliwack), Sheila & Allan Harder (Chilliwack) and Gail & John Klassen (Steinbach); 10 grandchildren,10 great-grandchildren, sister Elizabeth Funk and brothers Neil & Anita and Herman & Valerie.

Henry was predeceased by a son, Brian, who died shortly after birth in 1954. 

Henry was known as an energetic and devoted person. He was naturally curious and eager to accept a challenge. Good natured and thoughtful, Henry was a strong student and graduated in 1949. He took a full-time job as bookkeeper in Block's Garage in Grunthal where he learned many things, not the least of which was that marriage and children would require a step up in pay grade. He brought his bride, the love of his life, Helen (nee Esau) to Steinbach and secured a position at the newly formed Steinbach Credit Union. Owing to his above-average numeracy and literacy, he was hired to the position of Assistant Manager. But his ambition was not satisfied, and he knew he had more to offer. With this in mind, Henry and Helen employed every ounce of their wit and wisdom when a local shoe store became available, and a deal was struck. 

Kasper's Pic and Pay, a name inspired by a trip to Fargo, ND, was born and shoes, boots and ladies handbags replaced mortgages and interest rates. Henry and Helen were a team, working six days a week. The business' fortunes rose steadily as the couple showed a real knack for all aspects of retailing and there were few shoes beneath Steinbach pews, on any given Sunday that did not originate in the little store on Main Street. The four daughters benefitted too, with after school jobs and new pairs of Adidas runners and other fancy footwear. 

Besides work, the Kasper family was led by Henry in other endeavours too. The Grace Mennonite Church in Steinbach, where Henry and Helen had been one of the earlier members, was flourishing and growing and most Sundays and many evenings were filled with church events. The occasional Sunday was given over to trips to the family cabin at Moose Lake where fishing, campfires, and water skiing were on the summertime agenda. Imagine if you will, Henry's inordinate patience as he drove the boat, baited hooks, removed wriggling jackfish, knacked zote, untangled snarled reels and gave instructions for his boatload of girls. 

The Lion's Club and numerous family get-togethers were also part of the regular routine, as were weekly shoe buying trips to Winnipeg and an annual two-week vacation to some southern sun spot. Henry had dark skin and loved the sun and there was nothing better than returning to snowy Steinbach in February with his prominent, domed solar collector the colour of Jamaican Rum. 

When Henry was 54, he and Helen sold the shoe store. Having just bought a nice piece of land in what had once been the Trentham school district, halfway between Steinbach and Grunthal, the Kaspers - with only youngest daughter Gail still in the nest - considered some "gentleman farming" as a possible way to employ themselves. But, with Henry's characteristic enthusiasm and keen eye for business, together with Helen's encouragement, it was not long before a new occupation sprang out of what was to have been a hobby farm. The sandy, rocky soil was not farmland, but Henry knew it was the perfect setting for growing deciduous trees and soon after, Kasper's Tree farm (now known as Timber Trails) went into high gear. The farm was not only the tree farm, but the favorite location for Kasper, Froese and Esau fests, birthday parties and schweine slachten - with many a wry comment from senior advisors like the Ernie Friesens, Jake Banmans and the George Krahns. 

Ultimately, the farm became an operation needing younger hands to work it and in 1995 the farm was sold. Henry and Helen, their four daughters married and busy with families and business of their own - moved into a comfortable bungalow on Valerie Lane in Steinbach's Georgetown. This happy home was the scene for many more celebrations and events. Sadly in 2006, Helen fell victim to Alzheimer's and where Henry faced perhaps his greatest challenge of all as he became an utterly devoted caregiver. In time Helen moved to a care home with Henry her constant companion. 

Henry Kasper lived a full, rich life. He set goals, met challenges head on and never shrank away from hard work or difficult situations. He was an inspiration to his family and his many friends and left the earth a better place for his having been in it.

In honour of Helen, our mother, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, February 26, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at Grace Mennonite Church, 430 Third St., Steinbach, MB. A private family burial will take place prior to the service.

Arrangements by
BIRCHWOOD FUNERAL CHAPEL
1-204-346-1030 OR 1-888-454-1030

As published in The Carillon on Feb 18, 2014