Sylvan Kasper
Sylvan Kasper, 94, a longtime Billings resident and businessman died February 23, 2011 of age-related causes. "Kasper," as he was known, had been on the St. John's campus since moving back to Billings from Palm Desert, California, in November, 2009.
Sylvan Aaron Kasper was born August 29, 1916, in Spokane, WA, the son of Charles and Hattie Kasper. The family moved to Kennewick, Washington, where they lived until he was seven, and then to Auburn, Washington. Kasper received an appointment to Annapolis, but ultimately turned it down so as to assist his family after their clothing store closed during the Depression. Moving to Butte, he went to work at his Uncle Al Gusdorf's photo shop, and there met, and subsequently married, Nell Chinn.
During WWII, Kasper enlisted in the Army Air Corps and was assigned as a pilot to the 43Sth Troop
Carrier Group, Ninth Troop Carrier Command. Flying a C-47, he joined other members of his Wing in dropping paratroops on D-Day, and also flew troop and supply missions into Holland, Belgium, Southern France, and Germany.
After The War, he and Nell moved to Billings and opened Kasper's Photo Shop and Studio on North 29th Street. They had one daughter, Susie. Through the years, Kasper's expanded, and eventually there were additional stores in Billings, as well as retail, wholesale, and/or developing plants in Great Falls, Fargo, Spokane, Boise, and Salt Lake.
After he and Nell divorced, he married Charlotte Green of Butte. They were divorced in 1964. In 1966, he married Irene Uebelacker in Spokane. He later adopted Irene's daughter, Debra.
For a number of years, he had been a part-time resident of the Palm Springs-Palm Desert area, and he moved there permanently in 1991 after selling his business.
Kasper was a long-time and active Rotarian. He loved to fish, and for many years, was a fly-caster in Montana's rivers and streams. He also spent a great deal of time boating and fishing in the San Juan’s and Alaska with his cousin, Lee Semon, of Yakima. Until back problems prevented recreational activity, he played golf, and traveled throughout Europe. Perhaps his greatest passion, however, was football, and whether it was the Billings Broncs or The Denver Broncos, he was front and center.
Kasper was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Irene; and his brother, Gene; as well as his long- time companion, Shirley Craney of Palm Desert. He is survived by his daughters, Susie, of Portland, Oregon, and Debi Monahan (Brian) of Billings.
At his request, there will be no funeral. The family would be grateful if any donations in his name were directed to The Salvation Army.