Richard R. Kasl, 98, of Wilber, NE, passed away on August 11, 2023.  This is a true story about my birth; March 14, 1925.  It was a cold, rainy windy day when time came to get the doctor.  My father, Robert M., hitched up the horse to a buggy, took extra blankets and headed to Wilber. The roads were in terrible shape.  The only road passable was the cemetery road.  After getting Doctor Henry Hein to the house, Dad turns back around to get my Grandma Kasl to help my mother Mary Honzik Kasl with the birth.  I was born a "blue baby" as they called them in those days.  I weighed 4 lbs.  My grandmother wrapped me in a flannel blanket, put me in a shoe box and put me in the oven to keep me warm.  I grew up as any child does.  I don't remember much in my early years with my brother Aaron.  I attended School District #22 and graduated from Wilber High School in 1942.  My brother and I raised sheep and cattle while in High School. After graduation, I joined the Army from Jan 11, 1946 and was discharged April 18, 1947. I joined the American Legion and was a member for 49 years. I served as many officers and was commander in 1983 and on the firing squad for many years.  I attended many funerals and parades with this unit. I enjoyed playing bingo during Czech Days and working the legion stand.  After being alone for many, many years, I met Hilda Wattjes and we were married on May 25, 1979.  During this time we enjoyed taking trips, going to the casinos, scenic driving and polka events.  In my later years, I volunteered to help at the Sokol Hall.   I enjoyed meeting new people while bartending at pool tournaments, Czech days, wedding dances and auctions. I always enjoyed polka music played by anybody, going to dances at Sokol, Saline Center and Tabor. I enjoyed farming and raising cattle and hogs; with the highlight going to Omaha with Joie to sell at the Omaha Livestock Market. I loved my peonies and always asked Lowell about them.  And to this day, they are still growing strong. I donated 149 units of blood to the Red Cross in my lifetime.  I loved dogs and Corky was the name I chose for all my dogs.  I loved watching them zoom around the yard. I survived many of the Turkey Creek floods.  The water never got to the house but went across the road on both sides of the bridge.  You were stranded there on your own island for a few days to the longest time of 2 weeks. I also played Darda at Randy's Bar with whoever wanted to play.  During family time at Joan's and Lowell's house, Ashton taught me to play O Hell.  She kept score and it seems she always won. Survivors include my Sister Joan Kotas, Brother Robert, Nephews: David Kasl, Darrell Kotas, Lowell Kotas, Nieces: Rita Patton (Glen) and Paulette (Jim) McLaughlin and great niece Ashton Kotas and great nephews: Joey Kotas and Spencer Kotas. Preceded in death by Parents: Robert and Mary Kasl, Brother Aaron and sister in law Karolyn, Brother in law Joie Kotas, Nephew Russell Kotas and Wife Hilda Kasl.Services will be Wednesday, August 16, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Kuncl Funeral Home in Wilber.  Family will greet friends 1 hour prior to service.  Memorials are in care of the family for future designation.  Arrangements entrusted to Kuncl Funeral Home in Wilber.