Robert “Bob” Kasl passed away Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2025, at Seward Memorial Hospital. He was born March 9, 1931, in Dorchester to George F. Kasl, Sr. and Emma Rezabek.
Bob grew up on a farm South of Dorchester along with his eight siblings. He attended District #62 school through the eighth grade and later received his high school diploma. Due to hard times, Bob and his brothers, Junior and Rich, left school and went to work to help build the Lincoln West 0 Street viaduct. Bob served in the Army National Guard from 1950 to 1958. In March 1953, he was located at Kansas and Colorado bases and in April 1955 in Okinawa.
Bob met his wife, Marva, while she was working at her parent’s business the Halfway Station. They were married Dec. 30, 1955, during the Army's Christmas break. They rented their first home south of Dorchester, where they lived for a few years. They moved closer to Dorchester and rented a farmhouse for several years. In 1967, they were excited to purchase the farm where they built a new home and resided for several years raising their family until they moved into town in 1998. They were married for 69 years and were able to celebrate their 70th anniversary together on Dec. 30.
Bob and Marva had five children, Robert Wayne (Bobby), Sandra Lyn (Sandy), Jeanine Joyce (Jean), Judith Faye (Judy) and Bradley Alan (Brad). While their family was growing up, Bob took part in many of their activities, including being a Dorchester School Board member for over 25 years. He was proud to be a member of the Dorchester American Legion Post #264 for over 70 years, which he held many offices at the local and state levels.
Bob and Marva enjoyed traveling to several legion and auxiliary meetings and conventions across the states. Bob was also a member of the Dorchester United Methodist Church and a member of ZCBJ Tabor Lodge, where he was recently honored with his 50-year membership pin.
Bob loved farming, which he did for over 75 years. He loved to share his stories and knowledge about farming with others. Bob and Marva worked together to expand their farm operation throughout their lives. Bob continued to be active in his farming operation and kept up with the many of the advances of farming over the years.
Bob and Marva attended several family activities. They enjoyed teaching and helping their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren with their 4-H projects, boy scouts, parade floats and giving support in all their activities. Several family members felt Bob and Marva enjoyed participating in their activities more than the kids did! Unfortunately, Bob and Marva were faced with the loss of three children, Bobby, Jean and Brad. Their loss made them focus on what was important in life, their family.
Bob and Marva also enjoyed traveling and were fortunate to travel to Hawaii, Alaska, Mexico, the Czech Republic, Arizona, Colorado and more. They also enjoyed going gambling. Bob would be envious if Marva won more than him! Bob loved his card games and was known to shoot the moon several times, depending heavily on his partners for points!
Bob is survived by daughters, Sandy (Chuck) Rains and Judy (Mark) Bors; son-in-law, Paul Essman; daughter-in-law, Sheri (Kevin) Schuetze; grandchildren, Cory (Amy) Rains, Megan (Justin) Pekarek, Cassie (Tyson) Vogt, Taylor Bors, Lucas (Chelsea) Apfelbeck, Clarissa Bors, Andrew (Natalie) Essman and Samantha (Chris) Hobelman; great-grandchildren, Carly, Brody, Chloe, Jeplin, Eastyn, Judge, Madden, Burke, Callan, Grace, Chandler, Stassi, Nazaria, Snoh, Sullivan, Grey, Sunny, Lucy, Stevie, Peyton and Hudson; great-great-grandchild, Cairo and many friends and other family.
Bob is preceded in death by his wife, Marva Hayek Kasl; sons, Bobby and Brad Kasl; daughter, Jean Kasl Essman; his parents and siblings; in-laws and many family members.
Visitation will be Thursday, Jan. 8, from 4 – 7 p.m. at Kuncl Funeral Home in Crete. The funeral service will be Friday, Jan. 9, at 11 a.m. at Sokol Hall in Wilber. In lieu of flowers, memorials to be designated to the Dorchester American Legion Post #264.
Arrangements by Kuncl Funeral Home.
