Clara & Arthur Kasperski Obituary (1927 - 2026)

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Clara Kasperski, who left us on June 21, 2026, and Arthur “Art” Joseph Kasperski, who left us six years ago on October 22, 2020. Clara Kasperski lived a life defined by devotion to her family, strength, and remarkable determination at a time when working women were far less common. She built a professional path at Rockwell International with her steady confidence and a strong work ethic, while caring for her family, extended family, neighbors, and friends. At home, Clara was a proud mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her kitchen was a place of warmth and comfort, often filled with the aroma of her beloved Italian baked goods, which became a lasting symbol of her love and generosity. She also carried herself with a natural elegance and personal style that reflected her pride and inspired her family and loved ones. Clara spent her final years in Tampa, Florida very close to her daughter, Jackie, enjoying views of the bay, Italian market goodies and trips to the casino. Clara’s life stands as a testament to love and determination. Arthur “Art” Joseph Kasperski lived a full and remarkable life marked by courage, resilience, and a joyful spirit. A proud World War II veteran, he was enlisted in the Air Force at the age of 18 and served as a B-17 ball turret gunner—one of the most dangerous and demanding positions in aerial combat, surviving two crash landings during the war. He rarely spoke at length about those experiences, but if asked, he loved to tell tales of facing and defeating the Luftwaffe. After returning home, Art built a successful professional and family life, including his work with Danley Komatsu and later as a realtor, where he was well-known for his honesty, people skills, and dedication to helping others succeed. He had a passion for life that showed in many ways—as a loving and proud father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, dancing the polka, religiously checking his stock market holdings, and enjoying his nightly Manhattan. His humor, energy, and hard work left a lasting impression on everyone he met. Together, Clara and Art shared 71 years of marriage. Their home was often filled with music, especially Bing Crosby, Bobby Vinton, and Frank Sinatra playing throughout the house. They were deeply committed to caring for family, friends, and neighbors, always ready with help, a meal, or a Christmas fruit cake. Proud of their heritage, they honored their Italian and Polish roots, passing down traditions that continue to live on through their family. They will be remembered not only for the lives they lived individually, but for the life they built together—a legacy of love, family, and traditions (like early morning visits to Weber’s Bakery in Chicago for pound cake and long johns) that will continue for generations. Clara and Art were preceded in death by parents Helen and Tony Napodano, and Walter and Josephine Kasperski; Clara’s siblings Dorothy and Frank; Art’s siblings Lorraine, Irene, Eleanor, and Clarence. Clara and Art are survived by brother-in-law Hank Zalabak, one daughter, Jackie Kasperski (Charlie); one son, Donald Kasperski (Joyce); four granddaughters Lisa (Wayne), Katie (Steve), Kristie (Jim), and Niki (Charlie), six great-grandsons (Zachary, Jaxon, Brighton, Jadon, Jordan, and Kipton), and beloved nieces and nephews. The Kasperski family is in gratitude to Art and Clara’s beloved caregivers, especially the leadership and nursing team at Canterbury Tower, who treated Clara like family. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Albert the Great Catholic Church in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin.