William Casper

He was born on December 4, 1947 in South Bend to Andrew Joseph and Jennie Italia (Forte) Casper. He was graduated from Brandywine High School, continued his education at Ferris State University in Big Rapids, Michigan, and served a short term in the Army National Guard. He was a sworn police officer, and served for many years on the South Bend Police Department. He was also a partner in the former Casper & Rose Computer Service, and had worked in architecture and construction. He has lived in Niles most of his life.

Bill was well-known as a licensed amateur radio operator and instructor with the call sign KC8OVZ. He was a member of the Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Services (RACES) Radio Group, and of the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), both in Cass County. He was also a former member of the John W. Moore Lodge #42, Prince Hall F.& A.M, a member of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #36 in South Bend, and was an adjunct professor of computers at Southwestern Michigan College. He was capable of repairing everything, and was always willing to help.

Surviving family includes his mother, Jennie Casper of Niles; several aunts, uncles, and cousins, and a great circle of wonderful friends.

The family and friends of Bill Casper will gather privately to share memories and honor his life. Committal will be at the Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Osceola, Indiana. Contributions in memory of Bill may be made to the RACES Radio Group, 64069 Brick Church Road, Cassopolis, Michigan 49031; or to the Cass County Cancer Service, Post Office Box 676, Edwardsburg, Michigan 49112. Arrangements were made at the Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles.