Valerius "Val" Caspers, age 91, of Ogema, MN, died Saturday, February 04, 2012 at St. Mary's Essentia Hospital in Detroit Lakes, MN.

Valerius Louis Caspers, the son of Lawrence and Margareth (Tresveik) Caspers, was born on July 23, 1920 at home near Ogema, MN. He grew up on the family farm and graduated from Waubun High School in 1938. In 1944, Val entered the United States Navy where he proudly served his country during World War II. He spent much of his service time aboard the USS Shasta and was honorably discharged in 1946. On May 4, 1948, Val was united in marriage to Mildred "Mitzie" Kraker. They shared 63 wonderful years and made many wonderful memories together beforeVal lost "his Mitzie" in June of 2011. For most of his career, Val worked at the Ogema Creamery. He also farmed for a few years and later was a janitor at the Ogema Public School until his retirement in 1986.

He and Mitzie cherished their 8 children, their grandchildren and great grandchildren. They rarely missed any activities that any of their many "kids" were involved in. They were so proud of all of their accomplishments no matter how big or small. Val was an avid sports fan. He loved listening to or watching the Twins,Vikings, Timberwolves and the Gophers. He enjoyed many hobbies including fishing, hunting, golfing, bowling, softball, and playing cards or shaking dice with his buddies. He looked forward to family gatherings and, in quieter times, he simply enjoyed feeding and watching the birds outside his window.

He was a member of Most Holy Redeemer Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus. Val was also a member of the VFW post # 9880 and was honored to have served his country. He was also proud of the Ogema community and to be a "Minnesotan". Val loved life and lived it to the fullest. He was quite a character and storyteller. His great sense of humor, tremendous memory and optimistic attitude will be missed by many.


Val is survived by four sons: Roger Caspers of Fargo, ND, Bruce (Michelle) Caspers of Roundup, MT, David Caspers of Ogema, and Robert "Bo" Caspers of Ogema; four daughters: Kathy (John "Bomber") Clark of Ogema, Sharon (Rick) Paul of Cloquet, MN, Barbara (Kevin) Coyle of Dilworth, and Sandi (Bob) Haverkamp of Ogema; 11 grandchildren: John Jr. and Paul Clark, Scott and Joseph Paul, April Updike, Rachael Caspers, Steve, Brian, and Vicki Haverkamp, Lee and Dustin Coyle; 10 great-grandchildren: Hallie, Sydney, Carter, Kendra, and Kolton Clark, Caitlyn, Alexander, Lucy, and Hattie Paul, and Braydon Updike; one sister, Alvina Meyer of Detroit Lakes; and a sister-in-law, Jean Caspers of Detroit Lakes; as well as many special nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; a granddaughter, Melissa Paul; three brothers: Amor Caspers, Gilbert Caspers, and Fr. William Caspers; and one sister, Olivia Chapman.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00am on Wednesday, February, 8, 2012, at Most Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Ogema.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 7th from 5:00pm until 7:00pm, with a Prayer Service at 7:00pm, at Most Holy Redeemer Catholic Church.