WHEN YOU READ Rebecca Kasper’s 2013 obituary, you learn of a young woman described as sweet, beautiful and always smiling. You read of a former Northfield High School athlete and of a student finishing her second year at Arizona State.
You read words of heartache and heartbreak expressed by friends and those who never knew Becky. You read condolences for her parents, sister and those who loved the 19-year-old.
And you would wonder, if you didn’t know the story of Becky’s death, why she passed away tragically on Tuesday, April 23, 2013. Becky was killed by her ex-boyfriend, now serving 30 years in prison for her murder.
Dan Kasper. Photo courtesy of Redeemer Lutheran Church/Dan Kasper.
But there’s more to the story. And that story will be shared at 2 p.m. on Sunday, January 31, at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Owatonna, 1054 Truman Avenue. Becky’s father, Dan Kasper, speaks about “Finding hope in the midst of loss.” He visited his daughter’s killer, Luis Soltero, in prison.
Dan Kasper’s presentation promises to be powerful as he talks about that prison meeting and what he has learned since his daughter’s murder.
Come and hear this compelling story of tragedy and of hope. You will also learn about the warning signs of domestic violence and more.
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FYI: If you are in an abusive relationship, seek help. You are so worth it. Contact a local crisis resource center or women’s shelter for help and support. If you are in immediate danger, call 911. Leaving an abuser is the most dangerous time; have a plan to leave safely.
Additional information is available by clicking on any of these links:
National Coalition Against Domestic Violence
Minnesota Coalition for Battered Women
© Copyright 2016 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
It is a very strong person that can meet with the murderer of you child. Intentional is very different than accidental too. I’ve read accounts of how powerful it is to forgive the transgressor.
It should be an interesting and powerful presentation. And I agree that it takes a strong person to do this.
Another great reminder of why it is important to know what is available for those who are victims of domestic abuse. This looks like a really wonderful event for the community and I hope it is well attended. Thanks for sharing.
I hope it’s well-attended, too, which is why I’m helping to get the word out there.
Reading this gave me chills. Domestic violence is like a ripple in a body of water – it ripples out and affects multiple people. This needs to be talked about around the 8th grade level and possibly even the 5th grade into 6th grade level because dating can turn to possessiveness, abuse and even violence. Such a brave man to share his story and get the conversation started to help others cope or get out of a situation. Thanks for sharing and spreading the awareness on domestic violence.
I agree with you 100 percent on the need to begin education of our young people at an early age. I agree with you on how dating can transform into something awful. You clearly understand the topic well. We all need to educate ourselves, no matter our age.
Part of my last job of 5 1/2 years was working with domestic violence. Education is key!
Thank you for working in this area. It’s so important to have strong individuals like you doing all they can to help others. I may contact you sometime for ideas on how I can better educate my readers.
You are doing a great job in educating your readers on domestic violence! Awareness, talking about it, educating, etc.
Thank you. I’m trying.
I pray this event reaches people it needs to reach.
I think everyone needs to hear Dan’s story. Everyone.
I’ve been waiting all day to comment yet I’m still at loss for words. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family
I understand, Missy. Sometimes it’s difficult to find the right words. And I don’t know that there are any right words. Thank you for your love and care. You have such a caring heart.
What a tragic story. How sad that just when her life was about to begin, a murderer took it from her. Shocking. I’m amazed at how her father was able to visit her killer in prison! I’m sure there’s a lot to that story xx
And I promise to share his story here.
I totally agree with one readers’ comment…
You are doing a great job in educating your readers on domestic violence! Awareness, talking about it, educating, etc.
I couldn’t have said it better!!
Thank you, Sue.
I can’t imagine the pain of losing one’s child, especially in such a violent, senseless way.
Unfortunately, all too many parents know this pain.