Submitted by: Dan Rich

Michael Joseph Kasper

Aug. 17, 1946 - May 4, 2008

South Bend Tribune 5/5/2008
SOUTH BEND - The rogues in heaven rejoiced on Sunday: one of their own had come home. Michael Joseph Kasper died suddenly and unexpectedly at the age of 59. East Chicago, Indiana, was his birthplace. Though moving to South Bend in 1954, Mike made the entire country his home. A graduate of John Adams High School, he attended John Herron Art Institute in Chicago. This inveterate artist designed Christmas cards for Marshall Field Department Store. A routine job never was his strong suit. He drove a taxicab in the city before locating in Ouray, Colorado. There Mick, a gourmet cook, worked in restaurants during the skiing season and in the summer served as chuck wagon cook for the Western tourists. The mountains and atmosphere of Colorado were a constant source of his discourse. Part Thoreau, part Kerouac, and part Grizzly Adams, Mike had a variety of interests. He could converse of Eastern religion, the proper way for a jeep to negotiate a cliff, and how to handle being surprised by a bear.

A connoisseur of cigars and saki, Mick enjoyed playing euchre at South Bend's most frequented establishments. He earnestly contributed to Indiana's lottery. While in Colorado he developed an affinity for mountain climbing and hiking; in South Bend he walked and biked the entire city. This culinary critic enjoyed his own cooking best. His specialties were chuck wagon potatoes made differently each time and cordon bleu. He belonged to the old Graham Kerr school of cooking. As a former United Parcel man, Mike was invaluable to anyone moving. His sense for space was artistic and functional. While in Chicago he developed a fascination for Japanese religion. He contemplated becoming a Zen master. He dappled in many things. His family will always be indebted for his loving care of his mother as she battled cancer. He is survived by Dan (Pat) Kasper, Patty (Bob) Nyikos, Sharon (Mike) Bergen, Marian (Bob) Miller and Ed Kasper. His beloved sister Kate died on April 28th. His mother Noreen died this past September and his father Edward died 10 years earlier in May.

A memorial service is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 7, 2008, in the Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Drive, South Bend, Indiana. Any contributions should be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Indiana State Chapter, 7301 Georgetown Road, Suite 112, Indianapolis, IN 46268. Mike lived differently than most. He was Thoreau's different drummer. This lover of Ray Charles did indeed step to the music he heard.