Tricia Lynn Casper (Govin)

Tricia Lynn Casper (Govin), age 49, passed away on February 16, 2022.  After being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in February 2019, Tricia fought with incredible grace, strength, and courage. It would be wrong to say that Tricia lost her battle because she never stopped fighting. Regardless of how sick she was or how bad she felt, Tricia was always positive and steadfast in her belief that she would get better.  She spent hours researching potential treatments and trials and always had insightful questions for her nurses and doctors.   She was a shining example of perseverance and resilience.

Tricia is survived by the love of her life and husband of 24 years, Jeff Casper (49), and their two amazing sons, Tyler (19) and Brandon (16).  Also survived by her parents, Dr. Gerald and Sue Govin, her two brothers, Jim Govin (Christy) and John Govin (Rachel); her father and mother- in-law, Dr. James and Marilyn Casper; her brothers-in-law Ryan Casper (Erin) and Eric Casper (Felicia) and numerous nieces and nephews.

Tricia was born in Milwaukee on July 18, 1972.  Her family moved to California when she was 11 months old and then returned to Wisconsin when she was 8 years old.  Tricia graduated from Brookfield East High School in 1990 and then left again for California where she attended and graduated from the University of California-San Diego in 1995.  In 1996, Tricia and Jeff got engaged and she moved back to the Midwest where she and Jeff spent the last 25 years together despite the weather.

Tricia loved helping people, especially children.  She taught Spanish, coached cheerleading, taught swimming lessons and spent several years as a swimming coach at Elmbrook Swim Club.  Tricia inspired all her students and athletes to reach their goals while having fun along the way.  She was always bragging to others about the success of “her” swimmers long after she had coached them and took a tremendous amount of pride in their accomplishments.

Tricia was an incredible friend to many.   Whether it was her childhood friends from Wisconsin and San Diego, her college sorority sisters, her fellow Pewaukee “moms” or any of her other friends, Tricia was always available to support and comfort them whether they were standing right next to her or were thousands of miles away.   

Tricia’s greatest passion was her family.   She especially enjoyed spending time with her two sons, Tyler and Brandon, and always referred to them as her “babies” even when they grew taller than she was.   She was the ultimate mama bear and beware to anyone who upset her cubs.  She was completely selfless, always putting their wants and needs ahead of her own.  She spent countless hours driving carpools, attending sporting events and helping with homework.   Tricia also loved being with her husband Jeff and they enjoyed going for walks with their dog Finn, relaxing in front of the TV, and getting out for the occasional date night.    

Her family would also like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Christopher Hake and all the amazing nurses and medical staff at the UW Health Cancer Center at ProHealth Care who took extraordinary care of her during the last 3 years.

There will be a mass of Christian burial at Queen of Apostles Church in Pewaukee on Monday, February 28, 2022 at 11am. In lieu of a reception, there will be a Celebration of Life this summer.

Memorials in Tricia’s name can be made to PanCAN (Pancreatic Cancer Action Network).

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Tricia Lynn Casper (Govin), please visit our floral store.