William R. Casper, Jr., 72

William “Bill” Raymond Casper Jr., 72, passed away on January 26, 2025, in Council Bluffs, Iowa, though his heart always belonged to Omaha, Nebraska, where he was born and raised. A man of sharp wit, deep thoughts, and a well-earned streak of stubbornness, he lived life on his own terms, guided by a love of books, a strong sense of independence, and a quiet but steadfast devotion to those he cared about.

Bill was a man of many passions, though he’d probably roll his eyes at calling them that. A lifelong lover of books, he could often be found lost in the pages of an epic fantasy, especially The Wheel of Time, which he read and reread with endless appreciation. He was a talented musician who loved playing his guitar and listening to his collection of old records, each song a time capsule of memories. He found happiness in the quiet moments—getting lost in a book, strategizing his next move in Forge of Empires, or playing Skip-Bo with his dear friend Patty, who always seemed to win (whether he let her or not, we may never know). His regular pizza lunches with Frank were a tradition that stretched back decades, and when his daughter was young, she often tagged along. Those lunches weren’t just about pizza—they were about friendship, long-running jokes, and the occasional well-placed prank.

After retiring from First Data, Bill spent much of his time behind a camera, capturing the beauty of the world around him. He had a deep love for bird watching, making frequent trips to Grand Island to see the Sandhill Cranes and visiting DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge to watch eagles, hawks, and other migratory birds. Whether he was observing them in the wild or photographing them with careful precision, he found peace in the quiet patience of the practice.

Bill proudly served as a U.S. Marine during the Vietnam War, spending time in Vietnam, Osaka, and Thailand. He carried that experience with him throughout his life, approaching challenges with quiet resilience and strength. A man who believed in discipline and skill, he also earned a black belt in Hapkido—though he was never one to brag about it.

Above all else, Bill was a dad and a grandpa, roles he embraced with love and pride. He was the best father his daughter, Aubrey Casper, could have asked for—steady, supportive, and always there when it mattered most. He helped raise his granddaughter, Dallas, in her early years, and she was his “baby girl” from the very start. His grandson, Harley, brought him just as much joy, and he loved them both deeply. Whether it was through his wisdom, his humor, or simply his presence, his family always knew they were loved.

Bill was never one for fanfare, and he wouldn’t want anyone making a fuss over him now. But for those who knew him, his absence will be deeply felt. He leaves behind a lifetime of memories, a well-worn stack of books, and a record collection filled with the songs that shaped him. His family and friends will remember him in the ways that mattered most—through the music he loved, the stories he told, the birds he marveled at, and the quiet but unwavering way he showed up for the people who meant the most to him.

And though his journey has taken him somewhere we can’t yet follow, those who loved him know this was always part of the plan.

Bill is survived by his daughter, Aubrey Casper, and her husband Brian; his grandchildren, Harley and Dallas; his sisters, Cathy Casper, Arlene Churchill, and Patricia Merolla; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William Raymond Casper Sr. and Joanna Marie Casper; his siblings, Charles Casper, Russell Casper, Judy Camden, David Casper, Mary Casper, Albert Casper, Donald Casper, James Casper, and Rebecca Decker; and his nephews, Gary Camden Jr. and Bruce Casper.

In his honor, read a book, build an empire (real or virtual), and for the love of everything, don’t bother him with small talk when you get to the afterlife.

Per his wishes, a memorial service will be held on Monday, February 3rd, from 11 AM to 1 PM, with military honors at noon, at Korisko Larkin Staskiewicz Funeral Home in Omaha, Nebraska.

In lieu of flowers, consider donating to Nebraska Wildlife Rehab.