Werner Caspers

Werner J. Caspers, age 97 of Meire Grove, passed away peacefully Wednesday, September 25, 2013 at the CentraCare Nursing Home in Sauk Centre, Minnesota.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, October 1 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Meire Grove with Rev. Omar Guanchez officiating. Interment will follow in the parish cemetery.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. on Monday and from 8 to 10 a.m. on Tuesday at the Patton-Schad Funeral Home in Melrose. Parish prayers will be at 5 p.m. Monday evening.

Werner Joseph Caspers was born March 1, 1916 in Meire Grove, Minnesota to Peter and Elizabeth (Leutmer) Caspers. He was united in marriage to Regina Zenzen on August 23, 1949 in Elrosa, Minnesota. Werner enjoyed camping, fishing, and spending time with his family. He was a member of St. John's Catholic Church in Meire Grove.

Survivors include his wife, Regina Caspers of Sauk Centre; children, Irene (Mark) Eilers of Foley, Diane (Paul) Kortan of Sauk Centre, Marlene Harty (friend, Keith Erdman) of Long Lake, and Delores Wendlandt (friend, Vince Hinnenkamp) of Meire Grove; grandchildren, Randy Eilers (friend, Kelley Mattson), Jody (Jeremy) Anderson, Sara (Derek) Payonk, Jason (Michelle) Kortan, Michelle (Steve) Ruegemer, Melanie (Jeff) Peters, Jeremy (Kim) Kortan, David (Jenny) Unger, and Stacy (Brian) Gilbert; 15 great-grandchildren with twins on the way; and step-brother and sisters, Marie Kilian of Bloomington, Lorraine (Bert) Sand of New Munich, Joe (Marilyn) Caspers of Richfield, and Anna (Arthur) Weber of Melrose.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Aloys Caspers; sister, Sr. Elizabeth Caspers; and step- brothers and sisters, Sr. Adelaide Caspers, O.S.B., Edwin Caspers, Cyril Caspers, Anthony Caspers, Elmer Caspers, Robert Caspers, Urban Caspers, Theresa Schoenborn, and Bernice Wachmann.

Serving as casket bearers will be Jason Kortan, Jeremy Kortan, Randy Eilers, David Unger, Jeff Peters, Steve Ruegemer, Jeremy Anderson, and Derek Payonk. Cross bearers and scripture bearers will be Melanie Peters with Tyler, Emily, Leah and Avery. Gift bearers will be Sasha Unger, Zachary Ruegemer, and Cierra Kortan.