OSAGE – Vera Marie Kasel, an Osage woman remembered for a lifetime of caring for family, serving her church and staying deeply involved in her community, died Saturday, May 30, 2026. She was 90.
Kasel was born October 27, 1935, in Havelock, Iowa, and grew up on a family farm with her brothers. From a young age, she helped with household responsibilities including cooking, cleaning and sewing, skills that later became part of the way she served and supported others throughout her life.
Before marriage, Kasel taught school in Clear Lake and Marble Rock. She married John Kasel on October 13, 1962, and the couple moved to Osage, where John worked for the Oliver Company and they raised their family.
After becoming a mother, Kasel worked as a substitute teacher at Sacred Heart School. She also volunteered in the school lunchroom, served as a Girl Scout leader, took part in the Sacred Heart Guild and helped John with many Knights of Columbus activities.
Later in life, Kasel sold Avon and became an annual member of the company’s President’s Club. In retirement, she and John remained active at the Osage Senior Center, where she often helped prepare meals.
Kasel enjoyed cards, especially 500, along with bingo and other activities that kept her connected with friends. She also remained a loyal supporter of Osage High School activities and the Green Devils long after her own children had graduated.
She is survived by five children, Theresa Kasel, Mary Jo Vogl, Debra Kasel, Kevin Kasel and Benjamin Kasel; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; two brothers; and many extended family members.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her infant son, Timothy; her husband, John; five brothers; a son-in-law; and other family members.
A Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Osage. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery. Visitation is scheduled from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Wednesday at the church, with a rosary at 9:15 a.m.
Hoff Celebrations – Champion Chapel of Osage is handling arrangements. To read more and see the full obituary, please click here.
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