A man of faith, Edward peacefully entered eternal life on Thursday, November 12, 2009, at age 95, surrounded by his family. Survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Martha Kathryn (nee Dickrell). Proud and loving father of 4 sons, Gerald (Rosemary Murphy); Julian (Karen Stor); Daniel (Melody); John (Katheryn) and 3 daughters, Kathleen (John) Smith; Rosemary (Alfred) Hoffman and Linda (Michael) Sternig. Further survived by 22 grandchildren, Paul (Renee) Kasprzak; Steven (Lisabeth) Kasprzak; Lori (Scott) Gatzke; David (Jane Sybers) Kasprzak; Edward K. Kasprzak; Mary (Michael) Brunetti; Brian (Roxanna) Kasprzak; Donald (Shelly) Smith; Kevin Smith; Carolyn Smith; Jason (Rebecca) Hoffman; Amy (Jose) Santin; Kay Hoffman; Andrew (Ashley) Kasprzak; Scott (Marianna) Kasprzak; Megan Kasprzak; Matthew (Heidi) Sternig; Mark (Elizabeth) Sternig, Luke (Jennifer) Sternig; John (Kayla) Sternig; Lauren Kasprzak; Timothy Kasprzak and 31 great-grandchildren. Survived by brother Bernard (Jane) Kasprzak numerous nieces, nephews, and several cousins. Also survived by 5 brothers-in-law and 8 sisters-in-law of the Dickrell Family.Preceded in death by his parents, John and Mary (Kolacinski) Kasprzak; 4 sisters, Jeanette Kadow; Bernice Borchardt; Helen Schuldies and Irene Kasprzak; and 3 brothers, Michael Kasprzak (infant) Raymond Kasprzak, Harry Kasprzak; 3 brothers-in-law and 2 sisters-in-law. Edward was born October 22, 1914 in Milwaukee, WI., the oldest son in a family of 9 children. He attended Washington Elementary School, West Allis, WI. and later vocational school. Edward began working at 14 for the Tesch and Hartman vegetable truck farm in West Allis. At age 16, Edward worked for Convertible Sash and Door where he began his carpenter apprenticeship and worked until World War II. He married Martha Dickrell on October 28, 1939 at St. Anna Church, St. Anna, WI. Edward worked on the Dickrell farm near Elkhart Lake, WI. until the end of the war and then moved back to Milwaukee where he would build a home for his growing family.As an accomplished carpenter and cabinet maker, Edward worked for several millwork companies: Standard Millwork, Herb Frisch, Barkow, Tedore Woodwork, Kindt Company, Joe Wilde, and Berbaum Millwork from which he retired in 1979.Edward's outstanding woodworking skills produced countless projects for family, friends and St. Matthias Church and School. A devout Catholic, Edward was a parish trustee for 20 years, a member of the Holy Name Society, and a money counter for nearly 60 years. In addition, he assisted his wife with her parish catering and meals for special events. Edward was a member of Milwaukee Carpenters Local 1053 and a member of the German American Cycle Club.In his youth Edward was a bike racer and often recalled the 6-day bike race at the Milwaukee Auditorium where, as an amateur, he rode the wooden track for one hour. His picture appeared in the paper when the rider in front of him took a spill. Edward's life was characterized by faithful service to his family and to his parish. He was truly an inspiration to all who knew him. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Matthias Parish Building Fund; the Pius XI High School Edward and Martha Kasprzak Scholarship Fund; the Priests of the Sacred Heart, or St. Lawrence Seminary.The family wishes to thank the Caring Angels caregivers, Angelina, Lennie, Kristin, and Allyson; Home Instead caregiver Christine Schmidt; VNA Hospice; and Father David Cooper for their concern and care of Edward.
