Beloved Matriarch Lola Kasal Passes Away at 98 in Belle Plaine

Beloved Matriarch Lola Kasal Passes Away at 98 in Belle Plaine

Lola M. Kasal, a beloved matriarch of the Kasal family, passed away on August 10, 2025, at the age of 98 in Belle Plaine Specialty Care, Belle Plaine, Iowa. Born on June 19, 1927, in Vinton, Iowa, to Ora and Wilma (Ealy) Rupp, Lola’s life was marked by resilience, love, and a deep commitment to her family and community. Lola graduated from Belle Plaine High School in 1945 and went on to live a vibrant life marked by three marriages and a legacy of children and grandchildren.

In 1946, she married Maurice Burns, with whom she had two children, Gloria and Chuck. Though their union ended, Lola’s journey continued. She later wed Elmer McCollum Jr. in 1955, welcoming a daughter, Sandra, before their separation. Finally, in 1965, she married Harold Kasal, establishing a home in Marengo, Iowa. Throughout her life, Lola held various jobs in restaurants, nursing homes, and manufacturing, ultimately retiring from Amana Refrigeration. Her passions included playing Bingo and traveling to see family, activities she enjoyed right up until her later years.

Family and Legacy

Lola is survived by three children: Gloria Cobb from Edgewater, Florida, Sandra Frost (Ken Jacobson) of Guttenberg, Iowa, and her daughter-in-law June Burns from Belle Plaine. The proud grandmother leaves behind an extensive lineage, including grandchildren Vern, Miles, Robert, Taleitha, Lewis, Adam, Kimberly, Rochelle, and several great and great-great-grandchildren. She was also closely connected to her siblings, with survivors including sister Diane Bear and brothers LeRoy, Denny, Les, and Rick Rupp, speaking volumes about the family ties that were so important to her.

Sadly, Lola faced several losses throughout her life, including that of her beloved son Charles and multiple siblings, such as Paul and Nathan Rupp. Nathan B. Rupp, also born to Ora and Wilma Ealy Rupp on December 19, 1929, in Belle Plaine, passed away on January 19, 2013. His life, too, was filled with dedication; Nathan served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict and later married Martha Rodriguez in 1976. The bonds created in this family have left a rich history, contributing to the tapestry of Lola’s life as she shared stories and memories across generations. You can read more about Nathan’s life in Cedar Memorial.

Funeral Arrangements

A graveside service for Lola is set for 2:30 p.m., on August 14, 2025, at Oak Hill Cemetery in Belle Plaine, Iowa, with visitation scheduled one hour prior. The family is graciously accepting memorials directed to support them during this difficult time, and online condolences can be shared at Neuhaus Funeral Service. This is also a time for reflection about the changing landscapes of funerals and remembrance as documented by the National Funeral Directors Association.

Current trends reveal a growing preference for cremation over burial, with the 2024 cremation rate projected at 61.9%. Lola’s family, like many others, may consider their options as they navigate this poignant moment. In fact, the median cost of a traditional funeral with burial stands at approximately $8,300, while cremations average $6,280, highlighting the importance of thoughtful planning during these times. Families are encouraged to explore all avenues available to honor their loved ones as we see a growing interest in green funerals and non-traditional funeral locations.

The ripple effects of loss are vast, impacting families, communities, and even the economy, with over 15,703 funeral homes across the U.S. generating significant revenue and employing many. As the world continues to evolve, Lola’s legacy serves as a reminder of the bonds we share within families and communities, and how we honor those who came before us.