Shirley Eva Casperson, age 86, of Escanaba, passed away Wednesday morning, June 9, 2021 at her home surrounded by family, following a lengthy battle with Alzheimer's Disease. She was born on June 16, 1934 in Escanaba, the daughter of Ralph and Eva (Frappier) Drage. Shirley was raised and attended school in Escanaba where she graduated with the Escanaba High School Class of 1952. Following graduation, she worked at her family's business, Drage Gulf Mobile Station at Sylvan Point as a lube technician performing greasing and oil changes. Shirley then was employed at the candy counter at Woolworth's in Escanaba where she met the love of her life, Hubert Casperson. Shirley and Hubert were married on September 29, 1956 in Escanaba and he preceded her in death on February 3, 2004. Together, the couple shared 48 years of marriage and raised 3 children, Cindy, Thomas, and Eva. Shirley was a proud homemaker, raising her children, while also doing the bookkeeping for Casperson and Son Trucking. She was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Escanaba, and the Escanaba Eagle's Club. In her younger years, Shirley played softball for the Escanaba Merchants as their 2nd baseman, being sponsored by Bonefield Furniture. She enjoyed watching baseball and was an avid Detroit Tigers fan. Shirley also greatly enjoyed gardening.
Shirley is survived by daughters, Cindy Charbonneau of Escanaba, and Eva Casperson (Judi Skradski) of Escanaba; daughter-in-law, Diane Casperson of Escanaba; 5 grandchildren, Christopher (Emily) Charbonneau, Ashley (Chan) Wakefield, Thomas (Renee) Casperson, Jr., Hillary (Jason) Ebbesen, and Dane (Brittany) Casperson; 7 great-grandchildren, Finn and Ford Charbonneau, Oaklyn, Bryn, and Hugh Wakefield, Gabe Casperson, and Raegan Casperson; sister, Linda (Mark) Lapp of Little Rock, AR; and special nephew, Eric (Kim) Drage of Cornell.
In addition to her parents and husband, Shirley was preceded in death by her son, Thomas Casperson on November 29, 2020; and her brother, Ralph "Sonny" Drage.
Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Saturday, June 12, 2021 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Escanaba. Funeral services celebrating the life of Shirley will follow at 11:30 a.m., Saturday, with Pastor Robert Derheim officiating. A luncheon will be served at the conclusion of the services in the church fellowship hall. Burial will take place in the Gardens of Rest Cemetery. |
1934 - 2021 (86 years)
Obituary
