John Leslie Kasberger, 78, of Mooresville, N.C., died on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, at Mercy Hospital in Charlotte, N.C., surrounded by his loving family. He was born December 22, 1945, in Kansas City, Mo., son of the late Albert and Elsie Kasberger.
In addition to his parents, Al and Elsie Kasberger of Olathe, Kan., he was preceded in death by his brother, Lawrence Kasberger of Olathe, Kan.
Raised in Hutchinson, Kan., John inherited his work ethic, principles, and love of automobiles from his parents. He graduated from Bishop Miege High School and the University of Kansas, beginning a life-long devotion to KU and Kansas City Chiefs football. He graduated with a B.S. in business administration in 1969. He met his wife, Susan Edwards Kasberger in Richmond, Va., while working at Best Products Company. They married in 1982 and enjoyed 42 years together.
John began his long and successful career in retail management at Best Products Company, a small start-up that he helped grow into an innovative pioneer of the retail industry. His leadership, business insights and hard work saw him rise to an executive level position with Best Products, and many of his colleagues there became lifelong friends. John’s first two sons, John Jr. and Stephen, were born during his time at Best Products.
Moving to Rochester, N.Y., John served in an executive position with The Present Company, leaving only after his third son, Brett, was born in 1990. To be closer to his wife’s family in North Carolina, John joined Lowe’s Companies, Inc., in Wilkesboro, N.C. There he spent the majority of his career and retired as Senior Vice President/ GMM Hardlines. His tireless work and inspirational leadership helped transform Lowe’s into the national leader in appliance sales during his career there. More important to him, however, were the lifelong friendships he forged during his time there.
After retiring from Lowe’s Companies, John spent a number of years in a consulting capacity along with several of his retired colleagues. He joined the Board Of Directors for Bob Barker Company, which allowed him to continue contributing his business knowledge, as well as developing close personal relationships with the Board, executives, and employees.
John was a deeply devoted husband, a proud and loving father and grandfather, and a steadfast friend to many. His outgoing nature, kindness, and sense of humor brought joy to everyone who knew him, but were complemented by his solemn determination and integrity. He loved his family, dogs, music, and the outdoors. He enjoyed a sip of whiskey at sunset, and never failed to root for the University of Kansas Jayhawks and the Kansas City Chiefs.
John is survived by his wife, Susan Elaine Kasberger of Mooresville, N.C.; his brother, Michael Kasberger of Olathe, Kan.; sons, John Leslie Kasberger Jr. and wife Kate of Alameda, Calif., Stephen Ross Kasberger and wife Jennifer of Richmond, Va., and Brett Lawrence Kasberger and wife Cynthia of Charlotte, N.C.; and grandchildren, Margaret, Andrew, and Weston Kasberger.
A Celebration of life service will be held by the family at a date yet to be determined.
The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to all the nurses, physicians and staff who tirelessly cared for John near the end of his life, and for the professionalism and kindness they showed the family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Dove House Children’s Advocacy Center, 2407 Simonton Road, Statesville, NC 28625; NC Rescue-Cavalier Rescue USA, and Southern Pug, Boston Terrier & French Bulldog Rescue.
Cavin-Cook Funeral Home, Mooresvile, is serving the family.