Melvin “Mike” Kasner
Melvin “Mike” Kasner
St. Petersburg, Fla.
Melvin “Mike” Kasner, 72, went to heaven on Nov. 25, 2023, after a decline in his health over the past few years. He did not like “getting old” and fought to live as long as his body would allow. We are very thankful his nephew and great-niece were able to be with him the weekend he passed away.
Melvin was a sweet, generous gentleman and an Army veteran. He was happy and simple, a kind neighbor who created a good life and a welcoming home. Melvin made many friends as he carried out his routines at the bank, local stores and at the Bay Pines VA Medical Center campus. Melvin volunteered for the Bay Pines VA Hospital Volunteer Services for 16 years, having been recognized for over 10,000 hours of service. He was proud of his work there and was a trustworthy, dedicated, capable volunteer who knew every inch of the campus. Melvin was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on Dec. 6, 1950, and was adopted by family as a newborn. He lived with his adoptive parents, Melvin and Zelma Kasner, until their deaths in 1997 and 1996. He worked with his dad as an interior painter of homes and commercial buildings. Melvin and his parents moved to St. Petersburg, Fla., around 1969. Shortly after, Melvin enlisted in the U.S. Army. He was honorably discharged in 1971. Melvin never married or had children. Melvin was preceded in death by his parents, brother Arden (Ingrid) Kasner, sister Anna (Fritz) Bohm, and nephew Michael Bohm. Survivors include nieces Michelle Papke and Mindy (Chris) Maiden, nephews Shane Kasner and Travis (Kristen) Kasner, great-nieces and -nephews Kristina Papke-Inman, Caitlyn Papke, Benjamin Maiden, Erik Kasner, Luke Kasner, Marie Kasner, Adrienne Kasner and Jeremiah (Maya) Kasner Gonlubol, as well as great-great-nephews and -nieces Jaxson, Alison and Goldie.
Melvin Kasner was inurned with military honors in the columbarium at Bay Pines National Cemetery on Nov. 30, 2023. Travis Kasner proudly accepted his uncle’s American flag at the memorial service. Melvin often spoke of his concern for lonely and homeless veterans. Please consider donating to a veteran cause at www.va.gov in his memory.