Kenneth Kasper
Kenneth Lee Kasper, 91, of Unity, passed away peacefully in the afternoon hours of Friday, Jan. 9, 2026, at Colby Senior Care Facility, under the compassionate care of St. Croix Hospice.
A celebration of life will be held to honor Ken from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 23, 2026, at the American Legion Hall Post 358 in Unity. Family and friends are invited to gather to share memories, stories, and conversations. This was Ken’s request.
Kenneth was born on Dec. 14, 1934, in the township of Unity to Harold and Fern (Laabs) Kasper. He attended Sunshine Grade School and was a 1952 graduate of Colby High School. On May 29, 1954, he was united in marriage to Joanne Scheer in Spencer. They shared many years together until her passing in 2018.
Ken had a lifelong love for driving and the open road. He enjoyed collectible cars and was a proud member of the Antique Car Club. For his career, he drove semi and served as a pilot car driver for oversized loads, a role that allowed him to travel extensively. Remarkably, Ken drove in all 50 states and cherished every mile, as traveling was one of his greatest joys.
Those who will cherish his memory include his daughters, Cindy Hardrath of Colby and Luanne (Bill) Gosse of Marshfield; his grandchildren, Travis (Pam) Hardrath, Troy (Luci) Hardrath, Tyler, Spring (Jo) Villasensor, Lucas (Natsue) Kasper, Kirstin (Travis) Bernard, Christopher (Brooke) Gosse, and Clint (Liz) Gosse; 15 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Joanne; his son, Lyle; his grandson, Trent Hardrath; his great-granddaughter, Ella Gosse; his brother, Jerome Kasper; and his sister, Betty (Allen) Nienow.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Kenneth’s name can be directed to: Sleep in Heavenly Peace, P.O. Box 353, Colby, WI 54421, or Trinity Lutheran Church Food Pantry, 201 S. Washington St., Unity, WI 54488.
Kenneth’s arrangements are under the care of Life Tributes Funeral Home, Spencer. To share memories and offer condolences, please visit lifetributesfuneralhome.com.
