Service Schedule

Visitation
Visitation will be held 1 hour prior to the service time at the church.

Service
A Memorial Service for John will be held on Thursday, January 16, 2025 at 11:00 am at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Williston, ND. Father Paul Eberle will officiate.

The Memorial Service will be recorded and uploaded directly to this page as soon as it is available.

Fulkerson Stevenson Funeral Home in Williston, ND is assisting the family.

Graveside Service
John will be laid to rest at the Riverview Cemetery in Williston, ND.

John "Kaz" Joseph Kasmer
May 1, 1958 - January 7, 2025

Place of Birth: Dearborn, Michigan
Residence: Williston, North Dakota
Age: 66

Return to Obituaries

John Kasmer, 66, of Williston, ND passed away on Tuesday, January 7, 2025 at his residence with his family by his side.

John Joseph Kasmer was born on May 1, 1958 in Dearborn, Michigan to Richard and Loretta Kasmer. The family moved to St. Joseph, MI where John received his education.

John would go on to attend Dayton University on an athletic scholarship to continue his football career at the Division 1 level.

After college, John heard from his twin brother, Christopher, of the opportunities that the North Dakota oil field could bring. This next adventure brought him to Williston, where he quickly found a “home” in his search for prosperity.

He married Tracey Sherman on March 20, 1982. They have one daughter, Sara.

During his early time in the oil business, John met Dean Aafedt and eventually the two formed Kasmer & Aafedt Oil. With nearly 35 years of managing businesses daily together, they become more like family. Their office was a place to gather and became a sounding board for so many to stop by to ask “Kaz” for advice, catch up, or close a big deal!

John and Tracy’s grandson, Kayden was born. From that day on, they were the best of friends.

John and Kayden shared many adventures together along with their hobby of vehicles. John truly did love to see Kayden do the many things he enjoyed and will continue to watch over him.

John was passionate about his church, community, golf and his family. He had the biggest heart and gave so much of his time to so many community actions. He was a “master” fundraiser, which came from this ability to connect with everyone.

John is survived by his wife, Tracey Kasmer; daughter, Sara Kasmer-McDaniel and her husband, Chris McDaniel; grandson, Kayden John Kasmer; mother, Loretta Kasmer; sisters, Cathy (Jim) Duncan, Rosanne (Randal) Sawyer, Paula (Alie) Poorani; brother, Mark (Pam) Kasmer; numerous nieces and nephews.

He is proceeded in death by his father, Richard Kasmer; twin brother, Christopher Kasmer.

Memorial Contribution

If you would like to give a Memorial in memory of John please consider donating to:

Children's Lunch Program
St. Joseph's Catholic School
PO Box K
Williston, ND 58802

Williston Water World
% Williston Parks & Rec.
PO Box 1153
Williston, ND 58802

Williston State College Foundation
721 E Highland Dr. Suite D.
Williston, ND 58801.

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Carol Hoffman (Billings, MT)
Jan 8, 2025

With much sadness I heard of John’s passing. He was such a good guy and truly left his mark on the people who knew him and also on the city of Williston. May he rest in peace and my sincere condolences to his family.

Heather Wheeler (Williston, ND)
Jan 8, 2025

I was so very sorry to hear about John’s passing. He was a man who had a huge heart for kids and a passion for our community. He will be greatly missed by those who knew him.
Every time I saw John, which was pretty regularly, he would ask me how my daughter was. He always took time to ask about her and ask how she was doing. When she had to use Mayo Clinic for some doctors appointments John stepped up and told me all the ins and outs of Mayo, where to stay and how best to get there.
I will miss him. We may not of always agreed on topics but he was always kind to me and respected me and my opinion.
I wish his family peace and again I am so sorry for this huge loss. John was a great man.

Joseph Barkie (Williston, ND)
Jan 8, 2025

Sorry to hear of John's passing will miss him alot was a good friend. Will miss stopping in at the office and visiting bout many different subjects.
God bless his family

Thomas Simon (Williston, ND)
Jan 8, 2025

See you in Paradise, my dear friend.

Holly Cummins (Williston , Nd)
Jan 9, 2025

A very kind man. Years ago I was the “Lunch lady” at St Joseph’s school. Every Christmas there was a little gift from “Secret Santa”, it was John. Those gifts warmed my heart, knowing someone appreciated and cared enough to think of me. You will be missed.

Paul Suess (WILLISTON, North Dakota)
Jan 9, 2025

R.I.P. John...You Were A Friend..

Daryle Holte (Tioga, Nd)
Jan 9, 2025

My deepest sympathy to John’s family in their loss.he was a great asset to Williston and Williston school system he will be missed . He was a good friend of my son Jeff now they will meet again

Mark and Laurie Wrolson (Williston , ND)
Jan 9, 2025

John was an amazing, remarkable and inspiring man. His heart and kindness was huge and he always had time to visit or discuss topics and laugh. He was my ushering buddy at St Joes and he always was so willing to help out and he always had a smile. It's going to be tough not seeing him at mass sitting in his favorite pew. Jesus said well done my good faithful servant and called him home. See you my friend on the other side - Our thoughts and prayers are with all his family.

DeDe McIvor (Williston, ND)
Jan 9, 2025

John was a kind and caring man to everyone. He will be missed by all. My prayers and thoughts are with the family.

Beth M Innis (Williston, ND)
Jan 9, 2025

Tracey and Sara,
I am so very sorry for your loss. I have known you all for so many years. John was was so amazing in everything he did and gave it his all, but family is what kept him motivated, you all were so very lucky. I know this will be very hard, but remember there are angels out there if you need to lean on one of them. I love you and always here.

Brad & Brenda Sundby (Williston & Rapid City, SD)
Jan 9, 2025

He was a Giant of a man in everything he was involved with, we could all be a little more like Kas. RIP my friend!!! Thoughts and prayers!!!

The Broes
Jan 9, 2025

You will be missed by alot of friends

Wayne Anderson
Jan 9, 2025

RIP John. The world was a better place because of you. Our community was so blessed to have you here. Your kindness and generosity will be greatly missed. Thank you for all you did for our community and St. Joseph’s.

Bindes (Williston , Nd)
Jan 10, 2025

Well done, good and faithful servant! Your smiles and many, many acts of faith and goodness will be missed God bless, Duane and Kathy

Patti Ogurchak (Williston, ND)
Jan 10, 2025

John was a great guy and will be greatly missed by us all.

Janice Williams (Williston , ND)
Jan 10, 2025

Tracey and Sara my deepest condolences on the loss of John. He was a very kind man with a big and generous heart. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Keep your memories close. May the Lord guide and comfort you during this time.

Tom and Cheryl (Williston, Nd)
Jan 11, 2025

We just truly loved this wonderful man. He was a gift to this community that will not be easily replicated.

Daniel Howard (Bismarck , ND)
Jan 12, 2025

RIP Kaz.

David & Janice Arnson (Williston, ND)
Jan 13, 2025

To Tracy, Sara, Kaden and family, we are devasted by the loss of John. He was such a huge asset to this community, nobody could fundraise for community events and needs like Kaz. Thoughts and prayers to all his family & friends RIP Kaz, sincerely Dave & Janice

Jim Lee (Port Orchard, Washington)
Jan 13, 2025

Sending my condolences. Rest in peace John.

Steve & Jan Sell (Fargo, ND)
Jan 13, 2025

We were very sad to hear that John had passed away. He was such a great person and such an asset to the Williston community. Rest in Peace good and faithful servant.

Jean Berger (Mesa, AZ)
Jan 13, 2025

Tracy and family, John has been such a wonderful neighbor over the years. We will never forget him for his generosity and his willingness to help out whenever he could. He contributed so much to our community and will be missed by so many. I am sorry for your loss.

Craig Broe (Williston)
Jan 13, 2025

I always had a blast playing golf at the Links with John and Larv! He was a big guy with a big heart! RIP Kas!

Darin Krueger (Williston , ND)
Jan 13, 2025

RIP Kas… Thanks for all you did for me and our community…. U will be missed … :(

David and Candy Kalil (Mesa, Az)
Jan 14, 2025

To the Kasmer Family our thoughts and prayers are with you. John did so many wonderful things for the city, the church, the college and the sports programs that you can’t begin to list them all. He will truly be missed by all of us and we just want to say thank you one last time to him

Betty (Williston, ND)
Jan 15, 2025

Sara and Tracey,
Our prayers are with you and all who loved John. He was a blessing to all who knew him. May his memories bring you comfort. He is at peace. May God bless you all.

Kris Engelhardt (Vossler) (Fargo , ND)
Jan 15, 2025

Sara… I am so saddened to read of your dad’s passing. It’s so very hard to lose a parent…Hugs and prayers.

Kris Engelhardt (Vossler)

Sam Cunningham (Pacific Palisades , CA)
Jan 15, 2025

Today I lost a Brother and gained an Angel….RIP my friend, you deserve it.
Much love to all!

Adam Singer (Paradise Valley, Arizona)
Jan 15, 2025

John was a special individual with a huge heart. It didn't take long to know his gruff exterior was a sham. John was a gentle giant.

John was a fighter - he never gave up or into the cancer. I was not around him on a daily basis, but I never heard him complain about his plight.

I am proud to call him my friend. We were so lucky to cross paths at just the right time.

John and his lifelong friend Dean were the best partners in the early years of the Bakken. We bought and sold over 150,000 acres over the years on nothing more than a handshake. Overall of those years I believe there may have been one title discrepancy- just amazing.

Everyone that knew John has loss a great friend, it will be a void that can never be filled.

We need more people Like John Kasmer in this world.

willy seerup (billings, Montana)
Jan 15, 2025

so sorry to hear of johns passing he was a good friend and buisness associate he will be dearly missed

Tammy Lawrence (Trenton , ND)
Jan 15, 2025

My condolences going out to you all. He was a good man. Will miss seeing you in church. RIP John

Julane Poland (Culbertson, MT)
Jan 15, 2025

Tracey, Sara and family, I am so sad to hear of John passing. I enjoyed visiting with him when I worked at the FSA office in culbertson. He will be missed. My prayers are with you all.

Edward T Peters (Mt Pleasant , Michigan )
Jan 16, 2025

I had the opportunity, privilege and honor to have met John Kasmer about 40 years ago and I have to tell everyone that I truly have a huge hole in my heart that I know will never be filled. John Kasmer AKA “KAZ” one of the most amazing and awesome people that I have ever known in my life. I know for a fact that KAZ has helped countless people in his life and is truly the definition of a unsung hero. My sincere condolences go out to Tracey and Sara and all of the other wonderful family and friends especially Dean. I regretfully won’t be able to attend the funeral service which totally breaks my heart because I myself will be in route to Mayo Clinic, so I want to say goodbye my friend till we meet again
Love Eddie

The Andersons (St Joseph , MI)
Jan 16, 2025

Tracy, Sara & Kaden,

Our hearts and prayers go out to you. John fought a long and difficult battle with love and grace. May he rest in peace.
Ann, Michael, Cara, Chris, Cecily, Angela, Steve and a special hug to Kaden from all his Provost & Anderson cousins

Craig and Bobbi Egeland (Rhame, North Dakota)
Jan 16, 2025

What a great guy, and a good friend. He will be missed. Our deepest condolences to the family. Thoughts and prayers for the days ahead.

Kirk Martinez (Granbury, Texas)
Jan 16, 2025

My deepest sympathies. Great friend. Rest in peace john.

Jimmy Cain (Canton, Mississippi)
Jan 16, 2025

The best guy I ever knew. I thank God for putting John in my life.

Ernest Peters (Mount Pleasant, MI)
Jan 17, 2025

We walked the same path but never enough. Such a good man. Love you brother.

David, Linda, Chet, and Gregg McAdoo (Bismarck , North Dakota )
Jan 19, 2025

Kas was Williston’s own “Art of the Deal”. He was a masterful negotiator who prioritized family,God,friends and community. Very generous to all. He had the ability to sell and support big ventures for business deals or community endeavors. He was a master at life! He is a dear friend and partner and our family loved him and will miss him forever. Rest in peace with our creator, your work here is done and your legacy will live forever!

Tammy Lawrence (Trenton , ND)
Jan 20, 2025

My condolences going out to you all. He was a good man. Will miss seeing you in church. RIP John

Wayne Denowh (Billings , Moantan)
Jan 22, 2025

Only knew John from business deals with him.
Honest and a pleasure to deal with. Will be missed in the business. No one like him. Rest in peace.

Ernest Peters (Mount Pleasant, MI)
Feb 1, 2025

We walked the same path but never enough. Such a good man. Love you brother.

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