Lou Ann Paulsen Casper

Lou Ann Paulsen Casper was born on May 21, 1936, in Lewiston, Idaho, to Herbert and Minnie "Viola" Paulsen. In 1946, her family moved to Richland, Washington, where her father worked as an engineer at the Hanford Nuclear Site.

During her high school years, Lou Ann was active in a variety of academic and co-curricular activities, earning Honor Roll, serving as Girls' State Representative, ASB Secretary, Girls' League Officer, being selected to the Homecoming Court, and an enthusiastic member of the Richland Bombers Pep Club. At a football game against rival Walla Walla High School, she was drawn to the Blue Devils' handsome quarterback, David Casper. The admiration was mutual, and after attending prom together, the two began a long-distance courtship that blossomed into a lifelong love story.

After graduating high school in 1954, Lou Ann attended the University of Puget Sound for two years before transferring to the University of Washington, where she earned a bachelor's degree in English. Following graduation, she began her teaching career as a middle school English teacher in Seattle.

Meanwhile, David earned his bachelor's degree in political science from Stanford University, served as a second lieutenant in the United States Army, and then returned to his alma mater as Assistant Director of Admissions.

After several years apart, Lou Ann and David rekindled their relationship and were married in 1961 at the Church of the Epiphany in Seattle. The newlyweds then returned to California, where they settled into a quaint little cottage in Atherton, while both worked at Stanford University.

Later, the couple moved back to Walla Walla, Washington, where David joined his father in operating the family's wheat ranch. Here they built the life they would share for the next six decades. Lou Ann and David welcomed their two children, Jeffrey Kirk in 1965 and Jennifer Anne in 1967. Lou Ann enjoyed volunteering at the children's schools, taking art classes, staying physically active, and participating in a variety of social clubs and community organizations.

When her children were older, Lou Ann resumed her professional career as Assistant to the President at Walla Walla Community College. Once Jeffrey and Jennifer were off to college, she and David embraced their shared love of travel, exploring destinations around the world. Among their favorite places were Italy, France, Turkey, Mexico and Coeur d'Alene Lake. They also treasured time at their second home in Sun Valley, Idaho, where they cultivated lifelong friendships with a wonderful community of people.

Lou Ann lived an active and adventurous life. She loved skiing, hiking, tennis, biking, cooking, and gardening. She delighted in hosting elaborate dinner parties, preparing memorable meals inspired by the flavors and experiences discovered during her travels. She was an enthusiastic member of Art Club, Investment Club, and her Tennis and Bike Group. A lifelong advocate for health and wellness, Lou Ann was a vehement supporter of the Walla Walla YMCA.

Together, Lou Ann and David fully immersed themselves in the cultural life of the Walla Walla Valley. They were regular attendees of the Walla Walla Symphony, the Chamber Music Festival, as well as lectures, art exhibits, and dance performances at Whitman College. Lou Ann equally cherished her summers in Sun Valley, attending the annual Sun Valley Writers' Conference and the outdoor Summer Symphony Music Festival.

Perhaps Lou Ann's greatest joy was spending time with her grandchildren: Keenan and Lily, Jennifer's children, and Dolphan and Bella, Jeffrey's children. She and David delighted in taking them camping, fishing, skiing, hiking, visiting museums and art galleries. These adventures created treasured memories that will live on for generations.

After the loss of her beloved husband, David, in 2021, Lou Ann continued to embrace the life they had built together. She remained active in the community she loved; attending the symphony and chamber music performances, participating in social clubs, and enjoying time with dear friends and family.

Lou Ann is survived by her son, Jeffrey; her daughter, Jennifer; her beloved grandchildren, Keenan, Lily, Dolphan, and Bella; and her brother, Alan Paulsen. She was preceded in death by her husband, David; his parents, Kirk & Lucile Casper, her parents, Herbert and Viola Paulsen; her sister, Nancy Paulsen; and her brother, Ronald Paulsen.

Lou Ann will be remembered for her grace, curiosity, vibrance, and boundless enthusiasm for life. She found joy in learning, traveling, creating, entertaining, and, above all, in the relationships she cherished. Her elegance, intelligence, and adventurous spirit will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.

In lieu of flowers, if you wish to honor Lou Ann's memory, her family invites you to donate to the Walla Walla YMCA, the Walla Walla Symphony, or the Walla Walla Chamber Music Festival -- organizations that enriched her life and reflected her enduring passions.