Thomas “Tom” Allen Casperson
Thomas Casperson
GLADSTONE, MI – After a lifetime of faithful service, Thomas “Tom” Allen Casperson was called home on November 29, 2020, by the Lord he loyally served. Surrounded by the family Tom cherished, this ended a courageous two-and-a-half-year battle with lung cancer that saw him reflect the Glory of God throughout his trials. Tom was born on July 20, 1959 in Escanaba, the son of Hubert and Shirley (Drage) Casperson. He was raised in Escanaba, and graduated from Escanaba High School in 1977. At a young age, Tom began working with his father and grandfather in the family business, Casperson & Sons Logging, as well as with his uncles and cousins eventually. While this work forged a tireless work ethic, it also gave Tom the ability to travel to some of the most remote and beautiful places in the Upper Peninsula – helping to shape a love and passion for the U.P. Tom married the former Diane Christiansen on June 5, 1982. Together, the couple shared 38 years of marriage and raised 4 children, Ashley, Thomas, Jr., Hillary, and Dane. When Tom’s father became ill, Tom bought the interests of Casperson & Sons Logging in 1990. He managed all aspects of the business, growing it in the process. In 2002, the Lord made it apparent that He had a different career path for Tom. Following a fatal accident involving a log truck industry colleague, Tom was part of a task force that sought to implement safety measures for the logging industry. However, the State would not license one of those safety measures. After much consultation with his wife and Pastor Robert Derheim, Tom decided to run for public office. In 2002, he was elected to the Michigan House of Representatives. The first public act Tom authored was to implement that safety change, named in honor of the infant girl who was killed in that tragic logging accident. Shayla’s Law was the first of an incredible 118 bills that Tom authored into law during the 14 years that he served the Upper Peninsula – six years as the State Representative for the 108th District and eight years as State Senator for the 38th District.
Tom’s faithful service led the State of Michigan to rename the Escanaba River Bridge in his honor, with a ceremony being held on Friday, June 4th to formally dedicate the Senator Tom Casperson Memorial Bridge. As was embodied in his first campaign theme, Tom was simply, “A working man for you.” There is no question that in his heart, Tom was an ordinary man who simply sought to be known as a servant leader that honored the two greatest Commandments through his service: To love God and to love people.
Thomas Allen Casperson is survived by his loving wife, Diane Casperson of Escanaba; 4 children, Ashley (Chan) Wakefield of Okemos, MI, Tom Jr. (Renee Smith) Casperson of Cadillac, MI, Hillary (Jason) Ebbesen of Rapid River, and Dane (Brittany Bruce) Casperson of Grand Rapids, MI; 5 grandchildren who brought him such joy, Oaklyn, Bryn, and Hugh Wakefield, Gabe Casperson, and Raegan Casperson; mother, Shirley Casperson of Escanaba; sisters, Cindy Charbonneau, and Eva Casperson (Judi Skradski); mother-in-law, Marilyn Christiansen; two “brothers,” Tom Carlson, and Marty Fittante; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and a large church and political family.
Tom was preceded in death by his father, Hubert; and his father-in-law, Oliver “Chris” Christiansen.
The Casperson family would like extend a public invitation to a Memorial Celebration honoring Tom Casperson from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Saturday, June 5, 2021 at the Delta County Chamber of Commerce in Escanaba.
A program honoring Tom will begin at 5:00 p.m. Light food and refreshments will be served as Tom’s life and service are remembered and celebrated. Tom was laid to rest in the Gardens of Rest Cemetery.
The Anderson Funeral Homes of Escanaba and Gladstone are assisting the Casperson family and online remembrances can be shared at www.andersonfuneralhomes.net.