Stella Mary Kasper, age 91 of St. Michael, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, May 18, 2021, surrounded by her loving family.

Stella was born on November 5, 1929 in Arban, MN to Sebastian and Frances (Young) Hartung.  She was united in marriage to Andrew Kasper on June 24,1953 at the Catholic Church of St. Paul in St. Cloud, MN.  God blessed their marriage with eight children. She was a loving and dedicated wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

In her early years, Stella was employed at the St. Benedict’s Monastery and the St. Cloud Hospital working in food service and housekeeping. While living in the St. Cloud area, she met Andrew, the love of her life, and following marriage they made their home in St. Michael. Throughout Stella’s life, she held a strong, unwavering faith in God, which she shared with those who surrounded her. Stella was a faithful member of the St. Michael Catholic Church, Council of Catholic Women and the Red Hat Society. She kept an immaculate house and turned this passion into a career, spending many years cleaning offices and houses. In addition, Stella worked for Wright Way Eggs and also spent countless hours working on their family farm. She enjoyed playing cards, especially euchre and 500, spending time with family and friends, gardening, canning, and making her famous “best in the world” dill pickles. Stella will be remembered for her big heart, strong faith and work ethic, contagious laugh and time spent feeding and caring for her family and friends.

Stella is preceded in death by her husband, Andrew Kasper (Sept. 18, 2001); parents, Sebastian and Frances Hartung; parents-in-law, Leo and Rose Kasper; grandsons, Timothy and Zachary Kasper; great-grandson, Andrew Kittock; brothers, Anthony (AnnMarie), Edwin (Adeline), Frank (Evangeline), Leo (Catherine); sister, Sr. Eugenia Hartung and sister-in-law, Eileen Hartung.

Stella is survived by her children, Linda (Michael) Valerius, Dolores (Robert) Helgeson, David (Ann) Kasper, all of St. Michael, Paul Kasper of Buffalo, Ronald (Shelly) Kasper of Big Lake, Larry (Kelly) Kasper, Dale (Joyce) Kasper and Cinthia (John) Woitalla, all of St. Michael; 29 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren; brother, Victor Hartung; and many nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Visitation will be held Thursday, May 20, 2021 from 4 to 8 PM at The Peterson Chapel St. Michael-Albertville Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, May 21, 2021 at 11 AM, with visitation beginning at 9:45 AM, at St. Michael Catholic Church. Burial will follow at St. Michael Cemetery.

Serving the family is The Peterson Chapel St. Michael-Albertville Funeral Home. 763-497-5362.