Clara & Arthur Kasperski

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.