Services Set For Beloved Local Weatherman, Area's 'Go-To Guy'

MANHATTAN, IL — Visitation and funeral arrangements have been set for "Dan the Weather Man," a beloved local forecaster who died last week following a private battle with lung cancer.

Dan Casper, 60, died Friday, Feb. 21, a week after being hospitalized for complications of RSV and lung cancer. He kept his battle with the latter private, the diagnosis only becoming known to his supporters days into his hospitalization.

Casper, who started and manned Manhattan Weather Channel for more than a decade, was an adored local figure who engaged easily with his audience. At news of his terminal prognosis, supporters shared their reflections on him.

"I’ve only lived here for going on 7 years, but within my first few weeks here I was lucky enough to meet Dan and befriend him, and see what a tremendous asset he is to this amazing community," said Michael Krajewski. "Losing Dan will feel like losing a part of this town, and my heart is absolutely broken with this horrible news.

"Dan is a pillar in this community and deserves all the recognition for his endless contributions to Manhattan and surrounding communities."

Fox 32 meteorologist—and Casper's sometimes playful adversary—Mike Caplan spoke fondly of him last week.

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"The fact that he was, at his core, always trying to first and foremost serve his audience, and then, if possible, make a few bucks along the way ... — his priority was helping people," Caplan said."There are a lot of people I refer to as 'armchair meteorologists', their first and foremost goal is followers, clicks, views. ... I have no respect for those people.

"Dan, I have tremendous respect for."

Casper's devotion was clear, and gained him a following that transcended well beyond Manhattan. He was humble, and grateful for his followers—often taking time to thank them for supporting his page. Casper, 60, sought engagement, using his personal voice to speak to followers and connect with them beyond the essential information.

"He took it seriously," Caplan said. "That’s the reason for the popularity that he had. … He was just 'folk.' People identified with him, he was natural.

"Passion and connection to the community—there’s no substitute for that. It clearly reached much farther than that one Will County hamlet. A lot of people in the south suburbs relied on him."

Follower Kim Wrona spoke of his commitment to keeping people informed.

"I’ll never trust anyone like I do Dan for keeping us informed with all weather related news," she said. "His knowledge and enthusiasm of weather are not only entertaining but so accurate!

Casper was a graduate of Lincoln-Way Central High School. He went on to attend the School of Columbia, where he majored in Meteorology and studied under the renowned Tom Skilling, his obituary reads.

Friends Mike Adrieansen and wife Laura started a GoFundMe in support of Casper, who worked tirelessly to update residents at every turn in the weather. Funds will be used to cover medical expenses and other needs. Casper was also a dog lover, and an avid supporter of Cache Creek Rescue, a no-kill shelter located inside Alsip Nursery in Frankfort. A portion of proceeds raised through the GoFundMe will be donated to the rescue in his name, Adrieansen said. Caplan also intends to make a donation to the rescue in Casper's name.

Outside of his stewardship of Manhattan Weather Channel, Casper owned and operated Midwest Video Productions, where his talents as a videographer were equally lauded, his obituary reads.

The tribute captures his life beyond his pursuit of informing the public with his forecasts.

"Off-screen, Dan's courageous heart was evident in his personal life," the obituary reads. "As an avid Packers and Cubs fan, his enthusiasm was infectious, and his love of trivia nights made him a favorite among friends. He had a deep love for animals, especially dogs, which was most apparent in the bond he shared with his faithful canine companion, Haley.

"His legacy will be remembered as one of fortitude, joy, and the relentless pursuit of knowledge. His was truly a life that embodied the spirit of discovery and the warmth of genuine connection."

Visitation will be held Sunday, March 2, from 12 to 3 p.m. at Forsythe Gould Funeral Home, 507 S. State St., in Manhattan. In lieu of flowers, donations to Cache Creek Animal Rescue, 20601 S La Grange Rd, It’s a Pittie Rescue, or the Lincoln-Way Central Marching Band are encouraged.