Good-bye to Rev Caspers, a man who served many, many people. Our families met each other when the Caspers lived in the Lovely Lane parsonage in the Northwood Knolls neighborhood of CR, when the new church was just starting up in the early 1960s. 30 years later he and Mrs Caspers lived in the same condo as my mom & dad and their friendship was renewed. I remember one afternoon when I was 8 years old watching Rev Caspers preparing part of the family's evening meal, frying-up dozens of Morel mushrooms that he had gathered. A simple thing that, for some reason, I have remembered about Rev Caspers my entire life. I also remember him taking turns with the other parents, driving us to Wright School & back home each day (before Pierce Elementary was built.) My sincere sympathy to all of his family that he leaves behind.

Andy Weaver
December 16, 2018

Yesterday, at Don,s childhood church, prayers were offered for his family and thanksgiving for his life of service. When Don visited he would always be sure to greet people he knew. His story to me about his theological beliefs were about the teachings of Jesus of caring for other people. He was confident of the mercy of God and everlasting life. His legacy of service is magnified in all who knew him

Paul Specht
December 17, 2018

Don was a very kind person and will be missed. I also knew his sister Carol who was also a very kind person. I remember visiting my cousin, Bev, when they lived in NOrthwood area and Don was the pastor at Lovely Lane church. Don was always available to participate in our family funerals.

Blanche Thompson Donovan
December 17, 2018

I first met Don in 1996 as a result of my work as Executive Director of the Alzheimer’s Association East Central Iowa Chapter, an organization that Don helped to start. He was part of small group of area caregivers who met and moved from house to house helping one another through challenging times when resources or information about Alzheimer’s were nowhere to be found. Don learned about the national Alzheimer’s Association affiliation and initiated conversations to formalize this small group into a formal chapter which brought education, awareness and much needed resources to Linn county and 18 other counties in the surrounding area. Don was a founding board member and became my trusted advisor through my 17 years with the organization. Don and Bee took me under their wings and helped me understand the history of the chapter, the disease which I had no first hand knowledge of at the time, and Don helped me understand the importance of fundraising in order to grow the organization. He nudged me in his own very gentle way and before I knew it, we had a formalized planned giving program called the Remembrance Society. Don was a progressive thinker and a trail blazer. He knew the importance of the “bigger picture”. My mentor quickly became my dear friend. A dear friend to my entire family. We shared deep discussions about loss, human nature, family, faith, health and on occasion we would weep together. Tears of sorrow and joy. I did not have the privilege of meeting Bev, however I did know the other love of his life, Bee, and saw the deep love and respect that he had for her and she for him. They were a great team. Don’s face would absolutely light up when talking about his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. There were times when it was hard to keep up with him as he was always on the go trying to make it to their many activities. There are so many things I’ll remember about Don. for instance, his love of lamination. If there was an uplifting article or something in the paper about an individual or organization, he got those scissors out, cut the article and rushed to get it laminated so he could share the accolades with those who would benefit from the article. Always doing for others. Mostly I’ll remember how he made me feel when I was with him. I always felt appreciated. I was honored to help grow an organization that meant so much to him and more honored to be his friend.

Kelly Palmer-Hauer
December 19, 2018

Don donated 2,315 hours of his time and talents to our patients as a Spiritual Care Chaplain. He touched countless lives in those visits and by being present in the hospital. We are so sorry to hear of his passing.

St. Luke's Volunteer Services
December 21, 2018

To the Family and friends of Donald T. Caspers, I want to express my deep sorrow to you over the loss of your beloved Brother, Father, Grandpa and Great-Grandpa. As you reflect on his life and the gift that he was to you, it is my prayer that you will experience God's comfort and love. We will truly miss his service and commitment to his church and his community. Sincerely, Bishop Beard

Bishop Frank J. Beard
January 22, 2019

All of us here at The Baby Fold will be forever grateful for the many lives that Rev. Caspers touched. His kind and generous heart made others want to be kind and generous too. When we receive legacy gifts for The Baby Fold, we know that Don may have been the one who inspired the gift. Our condolences to the family and friends of this great man.

Rev. Lori Bultemeier
January 22, 2019