Obit: Caskey, Faith
Ann (1931 – 2021)
Transcriber:
stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org
Surnames: Caskey, Porter, Ensinger, Slavic, Zwiers
Source: Tribune-Phonograph (Abbotsford, WI) 01 Dec 2021
Caskey, Faith Ann (1 Oct 1931 – 13 Nov 2021)
Faith Anne (Porter) Caskey passed away on Nov. 13, 2021, after a brief
hospitalization.
She was born on Oct. 1, 1931, in Ashland to James and Frances Porter. Faith
resided in the Marengo area during her early years. Due to her father’s active
military duty, she spent the next decade stationed at military instillations
from New Hampshire to Massachusetts to South Carolina.
At the end of World War II, Faith moved back to Ashland where she attended
Ashland High School. It was during this time that her talent for music began to
emerge. She participated in numerous high school productions and earned several
honors at All-State music competitions. Her talent was refined and showcased
during her years at Northland College, often being featured in concerts by the
prestigious Northland Choir. Her powerful and lyrical soprano voice was much
sought after, with highlight performances with both the Milwaukee and
Minneapolis Symphonies and professional engagements at the Gateway Lodge.
Although her professional appearances ended once she started her family, she
continued to sing at weddings and church services.
It was at Northland College where she met the love of her life, Fred Caskey.
They married on Aug. 28, 1954, in Sanborn, and were able to celebrate their 67
anniversary prior to her passing.
In 1952, she graduated from Northland College with a bachelor’s degree in music
and education and began a long and distinguished teaching career. Her first
position was at Ondossagon School in Ashland. She then had brief stints in Saxon
and Phelps before taking a job at Colby High School where she spent decades
teaching English with a specialization in literature. This part of her career
paralleled Fred, who taught biology and eventually served as an administrator in
the Colby School District. In addition to her teaching duties, she was an active
advisor for student organizations including the National Honor Society. In the
late 1960s she earned a master’s in counseling degree from St. Mary’s College in
Winona, Minn., which served as the foundation for guidance counseling duties
that she took on during the later portion of her educational career. She was
also active in the Central Wisconsin Teachers Association, serving several years
on its board and one year as association president.
Faith and Fred retired in 1989 and move to Phelps to Lac Vieux Desert which was
Fred’s family’s homestead and where they had spent the majority of their summers
while teaching. Faith became an active member of St. Agnes Catholic Church in
Land O’ Lakes. In addition to lending her vocal talents to services, she was
highly involved with the Ladies Association. Faith also took pride in her
involvement with the Lac Vieux Desert Lake Association. A life-long voracious
reader, she continued her love of literature until her death. She also lent her
English skills to a local author by editing work about well-known Northwoods
guides. Additionally, Faith was a member of the Daughters of the American
Revolution.
Faith was preceded in death by her father, James Porter; mother, Francis (Ensinger)
Slavic; and step-father, Harold Slavic. She is survived by her husband, Fred;
children: Blane (Karen) Caskey of Eagle, Idaho,Brad(Wanita)Caskeyof Birmingham,
Ala., Jill (Bruce) Zwiers of Rhinelander and Julie (Steve) Hunsader of Wausau;
11 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life is planned for spring 2022. In lieu of flowers, donations
can be made in Faith’s name to the Land O’ Lakes Library.
Arrangements were made by Gaffney-Busha Funeral Home, Eagle River. Online
condolences may be expressed at
www.gaffney-busha.com.
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