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Obituary

Thomas “Fluffo” Caspersen

September 15, 2016 | 4 comments

Tom “Fluffo” Caspersen (La Crosse) passed away in the early morning hours of September 15th. Born July 29th 1933 to John and Laura (Netwal) Caspersen (La Crosse) he was 83 years old. He was born and raised on the North Side of La Crosse. While younger he helped with both family businesses: “Caspersen’s Dairy” in La Crosse, and an “A&W” root beer stand in Algona, Iowa. He graduated from Logan High School (class of ‘51), where he played quarterback for the Rangers.

After high school he worked at Trane Company for two years before being drafted into the Army in 1954. In the army he trained as a photo-lithographer (map maker) stationed in Bremerhaven, Germany before being honorably discharged in 1955. After the Army he began his true calling as “Rental and Repair Manager” at Mt. La Crosse Ski Area. Beginning in 1956, he worked at Mt. La Crosse until 2015: nearly 60 years. While working at Mt. La Crosse he was introduced to Bernice Goossen. They were joined in marriage on September 19th 1971; they were married 45 years. They have one son, Kyle, who was born in August of 1973.

His true passion was spending time with friends and family, where he was notorious for growling at ski instructors and joking with others; particularly with his coworkers at Mt. La Crosse. Through all the scolding and jokes, he was ultimately the only one they trusted with tuning, mounting, and waxing their skis. Early on he was an avid camper, fisherman and hunter. Later in life his interests included boating, trap shooting, and walks with the family dog. But, throughout most of his life, he was a skier.

Tom and Bernice have been members of Faith United Methodist Church (La Crosse) since marriage. He was proceeded in death by his parents, brothers Bruce and John Jr “Bud” Caspersen. He is survived by his wife Bernice and son Kyle. He is further survived by his sister Janice “Sis” Hogue, and brother Erik, as well as by Bernice’s brothers and sisters Luella (Dwight) Unruh, Margaret (Charles) Kehrt, Emray (Carrol) Goossen, and Ezra Goossen. And, he is also survived by many nieces and nephews whom he enjoyed time with immensely.

Tom was quick to smile, had an effortless laugh, and was quick with the joke. He was loyal, dedicated, and hardworking. Caring and compassionate almost to a fault, He was a loving man with a big heart. Family and friends could count on him for anything. He was an amazing husband, father, brother, uncle, friend, and coworker; he was loved and respected by all who knew him, and he will be truly missed.

Visitation will occur on Tuesday September 20th from 5-7 pm, and on Wednesday September 21st from 10-11 am. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday September 21st from 11-12 am with Pastor Karen Bankes officiating.  Both the visitation and funeral services will be held at Faith United Methodist Church located at 1818 Redfield St., La Crosse, WI.  Interment with military honors by the American Legion Post 52 of La Crosse will be held at the Oak Grove Cemetery in La Crosse.  Coulee Region Cremation Group is assisting the family.

In liew of flowers the family asks that donations be made to “Faith United Methodist Church” or “From the Heart Food Pantry”.

Condolences

4 Comments

  1. Al and Sue Bluske

    Bernice and Kyle

    We are totally shocked to hear of Tom’s passing. We are so priviledged to have known him. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.

  2. Mark Oster & family

    Kyle & Bernice,
    I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Kyle, I have fond memories of your dad from the many days that you & I spent together at Mt LaCrosse. My thoughts and prayers are with you & your family.
    Your friend, Marko

  3. Fritz Motschman, Pittsburgh, PA

    Fare thee well, Fluffo! I know you’ll be entertaining everyone up there with your infectious smile and unique sense of humor.

    Having known Tom since I was a very small child, I can say he was a great and warm man who always wanted to listen and help you out when you were having problems, with your ski bindings… or life. He was the king of the rental shop at Mt.LaCrosse, and everybody loved him. Ever the joker, his forceful exterior was just a cover for a loving, compassionate being. I will miss him greatly.

    Bernie and Kyle, I wish you well in your time ahead and send you my family’s prayers.

  4. Sandra and Gail Cleary

    Tom was a fellow classmate of Russ in the class of 1951. Russ and Gail enjoyed many class reunions. Myself growing up at Mount La Crosse he was always a fixture with the snappy comment He always did a great job and gave me great advice on how to outfit my children. The ski hill will not be the same. He will be greatly missed. Gail and Sandy Cleary

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