Alan Roy Kasper, 90, passed peacefully at home on the banks of the Crystal River, which he so loved, surrounded by family on August 4, 2024.
A true Michigander, Alan was born in Detroit, lived much of his adult life in Ann Arbor and retired along the Crystal River in Glen Arbor.
Alan is survived by his wife, Teri Lynn Kasper; his children Barbara Soblo (Dale Soblo), David Kasper (Rachael Kasper), and Linda Kasper; his step-children Becky Freedman and Liz Connors ( Joe Connors); his six grandchildren Isaac, Hannah, Davis, Hallie, Evan, and Ben; and his sister Ruth Marie Kasper. He was preceded in death by his father Peter John Kasper, mother Florence Mabel Wenzel, and brother David Peter Kasper.
Upon graduation from McKenzie High School, Alan joined the US Marine Corps and served as a Radar and Computer Tech Sergeant during the Korean War. After serving, he worked at IBM as a technician on the Sage Computer. A first generation college student, Alan spent one year at Henry Ford Community College before transferring to the University of Michigan. A double alum of U of M’s College of Engineering, Alan received his BSE in 1962 and MSE in 1968. He retired from Ford Motor Company in 1994 after contributing in the areas of the Steel Mill, Homopolar Transmission, Electrocure Paint Systems, and Design Center Fabrication for 30 years.
Alan fully lived each of his 90 years. Many of his passions brought him into nature, and he was an avid lover of exercise – specifically gifted in road cycling, cross-country skiing, and kayaking. As he began retirement, Alan volunteered as a scuba diving instructor for his son, David, and daughterin- law, Rachael’s, scuba and snorkeling businesses. Alan and his loving wife, Teri, were married in 2005 and settled in Glen Arbor in their forever home along the Crystal River surrounded by nature and beauty. They traveled the world together and shared many wonderful adventures. He enjoyed volunteering for the Glen Lake Association and served on the Water Level and Technical Committees. He also volunteered for the Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes working to maintain the trails and the Crystal River, and he was a longtime member of the Leelanau Conservancy.
A service to celebrate his life will be planned at a later date. The family would like to thank the caregivers at Munson Hospice and Sunrise Comfort Care for the support they provided Alan and his family. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Leelanau Conservancy and the Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes. Additionally, please root for Alan’s favorite team, the University of Michigan football team - Go Blue!
