Mary Caspers

Mary Edna Caspers, 87, of Breckenridge , MN , died Thursday, May 13, 2010 at St. Francis Home , Breckenridge , MN .

Her funeral will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, May 17, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Breckenridge , MN with Father Kenneth Popp as celebrant.

Visitation will be Sunday, May 16, from 4-7 pm with a prayer service at 7 pm at Joseph Vertin & Sons Funeral Home, Breckenridge , MN . There will also be visitation one hour prior to the funeral at the funeral home.

Interment will be at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery , Breckenridge.

Pallbearers are Greg Caspers, Mike Caspers, Jake Caspers, Joe Caspers, Landon Caspers, Taylor Caspers, Justin Neppl, Matt Neppl; Honorary Pallbearers will be the remaining grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Mary is survived by: Her children: Sandra (Lee) Swanson, Rio Rancho, NM; Constance Gutzmer, Breckenridge, MN; Steven (Joyce) Caspers, Breckenridge, MN; James (Robin) Caspers, Colfax, ND; Timothy (Valessa) Caspers, Stillwater, MN; Kathryn (Jerry) Walsh, Bismarck, ND; Carolyn (Steven) Neppl, Breckenridge, MN; Charles (Jarita) Caspers, Scottsdale, AZ; Mark (Marcia) Caspers, Fargo, ND; Her 28 grandchildren; Her 19 great-grandchildren; Her sisters: Pat (Glen) Nelson, North Branch, MN; Darlene Duerr, Washington; Her brother: Burt (Colleen) Moore, Redwood Falls, MN.

She was preceded in death by: Her husband: Milan ‘Cy’ Caspers (2008); Her parents: Burton and Mildred Moore; and Her sister: Betty Southerton.

Mary Moore was born to Burton and Mildred (McIlhargy) Moore on February 14, 1923 in Fergus Falls , MN . She was big sister to Betty, Pat, Burt and Darlene. Even though she grew up during the lean years of the Depression, her memories of this time on the farm were of her family’s love and the laughter they shared together. When Mary wasn’t busy with chores on the family farm, she loved riding horseback and was an avid softball player. Mary attended the Breckenridge schools and graduated in 1942. She also worked as a ‘Soda Jerk’ at the local drug store in Breckenridge.

On a warm summer day, her brother Burt brought home his good (and handsome) friend ‘Cy’ and introduced him to Mary. That began a bond that lasted a lifetime. On November 10, 1944, Mary was united in marriage to Milan ‘Cy’ Caspers in Fergus Falls , MN . They began their life together on the Caspers family farm but soon after started their own family and moved to Scanlon , MN where Milan worked at a paper mill. They eventually moved back to Breckenridge where Milan found employment as a truck driver, in time owning his own trucking business. Meanwhile, their family was growing and Mary stayed home to raise their nine children. Mary’s most precious role was that of being a mom. However, she did manage to find time for her own hobbies. She was an ardent reader, enjoyed needlepoint, and loved to cook. For many years Mary and Milan belonged to a bowling league. They cherished the friendships that were cultivated during that period of time and were fortunate to be able to travel all over the U.S. with them.

Mary was active in church activities, including the Ladies Guild and Christian Mothers. She took great pleasure in family gatherings with her children, grandchildren and great- grandchildren and considered being an active participant in their lives pure joy. Mary will be remembered for her contagious laughter, ‘pistol’ spirit and her love for life.

She spent the last five years as a resident of St. Francis Nursing home in Breckenridge, enjoying the wonderful care and fellowship of others.