John Stephen Kasperski, 90, of Coldwater, passed away on Tuesday, August 1, 2023 at the home of his granddaughter, under hospice care.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, August 18, 2023 at the First Baptist Church, 102 Bishop Avenue, Coldwater, MI 49036, with Pastor Bob Ward officiating. Private interment will be at Lester Cemetery.
Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Thursday, August 17, 2023 at Lighthouse Funeral & Cremation, 1276 Tate Trail, Union City, MI 49094, followed by a Rosary Service beginning at 7:00 p.m.
Visitation will also be held at the First Baptist Church in Coldwater just prior to the ceremony, from 10:00-11:00 a.m. Friday, August 18, 2023.
John was born April 30, 1933 in Bronson, Michigan to Steven and Helen (Czajkowski) Kasperski. He graduated from Quincy High School in 1952. On August 13, 1953, he married the former Mary Tomecek at St. Charles Catholic Church in Coldwater. She preceded him in death in February of 2023 after 69 years of marriage.
John served with the U.S. Army from 1953-1955, during the Korean War. He returned to Coldwater and was employed by Shaw Shoe from 1955-1982.
He and his wife opened J & M Shoe Repair in downtown Coldwater in 1983 and he later did shoe repair from their home. From 1985-2006, John was employed by his son Steve’s business, Extermital Termite & Pest Control.
John lived his entire adult life in Coldwater, where he was a member of St. Charles Catholic Church. John always put others ahead of himself. His generosity and caring for others was selfless. People learned that if they needed anything they should ask him first because chances are he had it and would give it away without hesitation.
In addition to repairing shoes, John enjoyed hunting, gardening, watching birds, and playing cards. John was happiest attending kids’ grandkids’ and great-grandkids’ sporting events then handing out dollar bills afterward for them to spend at the concession stand. John has left a legacy that will forever be marked on the hearts of those he met.
He is survived by his children, Steve (Vicki) Kasperski of Coldwater and Judy (Christopher Kidder) Vaccaro of Union City; grandchildren, Jennifer (Michael) Clark, Angela (Caleb) Garn, Michael (Heather) Kasperski, Nathan Vaccaro and Matthew Vaccaro; and great-grandchildren, Samuel, Liam and Zayna Clark, Deacon and Josie Garn and Bailey and Jaxson “JJ” Kasperski.
In addition to his wife, Mary, John was preceded in death by his parents; and his siblings, Adeline Sobeske, Frank Kasperski and Helen Hogan.
Memorial donations are suggested to Branch County Commission on Aging, 65 Grahl Drive, Coldwater, MI 49036 for the Meals on Wheels program at the Burnside Center, or to Branch County Veterans Affairs, 570 Marshall Rd # F, Coldwater, MI 49036.
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