Casper 65th

Featured in: August 2016

CASPER 65th

Glen Casper and Nena Fowler were married on April 1, 1951. Even though they married on April Fool’s Day, it apparently wasn’t any joke. They are still married 65 years later.

Glen grew up in southern Oregon’s Coos County, while Nena grew up in Fallon, Nev. They met while attending Laurelwood Academy. The academy had rules against dating, so it was a slow courtship. Glen says “the most interesting thing I found at Laurelwood was Nena!” They both graduated in 1950.

Glen began working at his dad’s gyppo mill, but a timber fell on his foot and broke it. Being he was off work, he went to Oregon Camp Meeting. He decided to hop a bus going to Nevada. After a few months, he concluded that Nena was the one for him. They were married in Fallon, Nev.

Glen had apprenticed to learn Dental Lab in Coos Bay, Ore. When the Korean War draft board called him up, he convinced them to let him finish his apprenticeship. They agreed, and evidently forgot to call him up again. He started his own dental lab in 1954 and was still doing it until very recently. In 1980, he went back to school to become a licensed denturist.

Two children joined the family, Debbie in 1953 and Randy in 1955. Nena stayed home to raise the children, but later worked with Glen as his receptionist and delivery girl.

The Caspers have always been very active in their church. Glen has served as deacon, elder, Sabbath School superintendent, active in home and school, school board and was building chairman when the sanctuary of the new church was built. Nena was a long time Pathfinder counselor and helped in the children’s divisions. She has also been Sabbath School secretary.

Glen and Nena went back to the church where they were married to celebrate their 65th anniversary. They had pictures taken at the exact spot. They were able to visit with Nena’s brother and two sisters while there.

Glen and Nena’s family includes Debbie and Steve of Burleson, Texas; Randy and Debi Casper of Astoria, Ore.; 6 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.

The Casper’s ancestors (the Bunch family) were instrumental in opening many grade school and academies during the early church in Oregon. This love of teaching is also evident in their children and grandchildren. A truly marvelous legacy to have in your family.