Richard R. Kasl, 98, of Wilber, passed away Aug. 11, 2023.
This is a true story about my birth: March 14, 1925, was a cold, rainy windy day when time came to get the doctor. My father, Robert M., hitched up the horse to a buggy, took extra blankets and headed to Wilber. The roads were in terrible shape. The only road passable was the cemetery road. After getting Doctor Henry Hein to the house, Dad turns back around to get my Grandma Kasl to help my mother, Mary Honzik Kasl, with the birth.
I was born a “blue baby” as they called them in those days. I weighed 4 lbs. My grandmother wrapped me in a flannel blanket, put me in a shoe box and put me in the oven to keep me warm. I grew up as any child does.
I don’t remember much in my early years with my brother Aaron. I attended School District #22 and graduated from Wilber High School in 1942. My brother and I raised sheep and cattle while in High School. After graduation, I joined the Army from Jan 11, 1946, and was discharged April 18, 1947. I joined the American Legion and was a member for 49 years. I served as many officers and was commander in 1983 and on the firing squad for many years. I attended many funerals and parades with this unit. I enjoyed playing bingo during Czech Days and working the legion stand.
After being alone for many, many years, I met Hilda Wattjes and we were married May 25, 1979. During this time, we enjoyed taking trips, going to the casinos, scenic driving and polka events. In my later years, I volunteered to help at the Sokol Hall. I enjoyed meeting new people while bartending at pool tournaments, Czech days, wedding dances and auctions. I always enjoyed polka music played by anybody, going to dances at Sokol, Saline Center and Tabor.
I enjoyed farming and raising cattle and hogs, with the highlight going to Omaha with Joie to sell at the Omaha Livestock Market. I loved my peonies and always asked Lowell about them. And to this day, they are still growing strong. I donated 149 units of blood to the Red Cross in my lifetime. I loved dogs, and Corky was the name I chose for all my dogs. I loved watching them zoom around the yard.
I survived many of the Turkey Creek floods. The water never got to the house, but went across the road on both sides of the bridge. You were stranded there on your own island for a few days, to the longest time of two weeks. I also played Darda at Randy’s Bar with whoever wanted to play. During family time at Joan’s and Lowell’s house, Ashton taught me to play O Hell. She kept score and it seems she always won.
Survivors include sister, Joan Kotas; brother, Robert; nephews, David Kasl, Darrell Kotas, and Lowell Kotas; nieces, Rita Patton (Glen) and Paulette (Jim) McLaughlin; great niece, Ashton Kotas; and great-nephews, Joey Kotas and Spencer Kotas. Preceded in death by parents, Robert and Mary Kasl; brother, Aaron; sister-in-law, Karolyn; brother-in-law, Joie Kotas; and nephew, Russell Kotas and wife Hilda Kasl.
The funeral service will be Wednesday, Aug. 16, at 11 a.m. at Kuncl Funeral Home in Wilber. The family will greet friends one hour prior to service. Memorial contributions are suggested in care of the family for future designation. Arrangements by Kuncl Funeral Home in Wilber.
