Jean Augusta Kasper

Jean Stark Autrey Kasper, 99 of Kissimmee passed away peacefully on June 6, 2018. Jean was born in 1919 in Cleveland, Ohio, to Frederick Stark and Louise Francis Ahrens. She grew up in Gates Mills, Ohio, with her three siblings, Earl, Howard and Betty. The Stark family moved to Miami, Florida, in 1937, with Jean joining them after her graduation from high school and then Business College in 1938. Jean returned to Cleveland several years later, working in support of the war effort as an employee of Thompson Aircraft, eventually being promoted to manager in the Tool and Dye Department. Her parents had her moved to Kissimmee, Florida. Jean's father developed a serious illness, which resulted in her taking a sabbatical from Thompson to help with the family farm. Shortly before returning to Cleveland, she joined her best friend, Connie Autrey Partin and her husband Geech, along with other members of the Autrey clan at the Pinky Villa. She was introduced to Connie's brother, Dan Autrey, on leave, and never left Kissimmee. Jean Married Daniel Leroy Autrey, Jr. in August of 1945. After Dan's return from active duty, they joined the family business, Autrey Motor Company. They had four children, Carolyn Autrey Phillips (Mike), Susan Autrey Roda (Frank), Connie Autrey Woosley (Lloyd) and Daniel Autrey, III (Michelle). Following her divorce, Jean remarried in January 1963 to James Robert Kasper, having another son, William Kasper. Jim Also had sons from previous marriages, Robert Kasper and David Kasper (Deceased). Jean enjoyed her children and (16) grandchildren, despite a number residing out of state. She was also able to boast of (10) great-grandchildren and several great-great grandchildren. As a long time resident of Kissimmee, Jean was an avid member of bridge groups, starting in the 1940's and only stopping participation when her vision was compromised at the age of 97. Jean was a long standing member of the Silver Spurs Riding Club and also a past president of the Kissimmee Elkettes. Jean was a very social lady, who found great pleasure in her almost two decade position as a "bar-tician" and lounge manager at Kissimmee's Paddle wheel Steakhouse. In 2013, Jean was recognized for her lengthy service and dedication to the Florida Hospital of Kissimmee as a Pink Lady Senior Volunteer, initiating their program in 1972. She was recognized for her 42 years and over 34,000 hours of service. In her later years, she was known to hospital staff as "The Rose Lady", named for the many roses she regularly brought to patients and hospital staff. Prior to her husband Jim's passing in August of 2011, they enjoyed years of travel throughout the US as President and First Lady of the Florida Board of Realtors, a great joy to Jean in her later years. Jean thrived when at the center of attention, always engaged in living and was loved and enjoyed by family, friends and acquaintances. Unfortunately, Jean's declining independence resulted in her move in early 2017 from her Drury Avenue home of over 65 Years to Largo, Florida, in order to be closer to family care. Jean was surrounded by family as she peacefully passed. She will surely be missed by all.
The family will receive friends form 9:30 A.M. up until service time at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, June 12, 2018 at the Roger C. Thompson Memorial Chapel at Conrad & Thompson Funeral Home with the Reverend Dr. Barbara Riddle officiating. Interment to follow in Rose Hill cemetery, Kissimmee, Florida.
Active Casketbearers: Dan Autrey III, Daniel Autrey IV, Frank Roda III, Bill Kasper, Ian Kasper and Andrew Roda.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Florida Hospital Foundation, Kissimmee Fund or to a favorite charity of your choice.
The Kasper family is being cared for by CONRAD & THOMPSON FUNERAL HOME, 511 EMMETT STREET, KISSIMMEE, FL. 34741 (407)847-3188

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