Dr. John Kasik has been gone for a full year - hard to believe.

But he will be remembered for a long, long time!

Dear Mrs. Kasik:

Around 1960, I worked as Dr. Kasik's lab assistant at the Dept. of Pharmacology, U of Chicago. What a wonderful person Dr. Kasik was! I met you at a party at your house. I'll never forget your kindness.

Take care and may God bless you and your family! Alice LIng

I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Dr Kasik. I have worked for many but he was by far, the best Chief of Staff I ever worked for...with him it wasn't a matter of having to work for him but rather wanting to work with him. I learned much from him. My condolences to the family.

I have fond memories of Dr. Kasik's enthusiasm for teaching his medical students and had a high regard for his clinical acumen. I'll always remember "Kasik's Rule 57b, that is, when see you a lesion on the X-ray, stop patting yourself on the back and look for the second lesion".

I was a new nurse practitioner at the VA in 1996. Dr. Kasik was always so interested in teaching...I learned a lot from him! His care and compassion for all was at the forefront always! He was really one of the good guys and I remember him fondly. My deep sympathy for your loss.

My very sincere condolences to the family of Dr. Kasik. He was a great teacher and I was one of the early recipients of his enthusiasm for the Respiratory Therapy program at Kirkwood. Thanks to his family for sharing him with us for many years.

Pete,

I'm very sorry to hear about the passing of your father. It certainly sounds like he led a full and rewarding life. My thoughts are with you and your family. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help you through this difficult time.

Jim,

So sorry to hear of the passing of your Dad. We had planned to attend visitation this afternoon, but with the weather forecast as it is, we probably won't attempt that now. Please know that our thoughts are with you and your family. We enjoyed meeting your Dad and family during our "chance" reunion in Jamaica a couple of years ago. Take care.

John and I collaborated on many medication research projects and publications during the period between 1974 and 1984 while I was employed by the VA Medical Center and University of Iowa College of Pharmacy. He provided the opportunity for me, a pharmacist, to collaboratively conduct clinical research. He was a colleague, mentor, and friend to myself and numerous others. I'm sure he has, as he used to say of some of our patients, "gone to glory", and deservedly so. He most certainly will be missed.

I am so sorry to hear of Dr. Kasik's passing. He brought me to the VA in 1976 to direct the Respiratory Therapy Program at Kirkwood. He was the smartest man I ever met, and the kindest person also. I loved the times I got to talk with him, since it was always so interesting and usually involved history (of drug development or Custer's last stand, always so amazing to hear him talk. He inspired me to continue my education and get a Ph.D. at the UofI. I give my profound sympathies to all his family, and will cherish his memory forever.

My sincerest sympathies to the entire Kasik family. John always had a wonderful gift of sharing his stories of his life and sharing hie knowledge.i am sure he will be very missed by all of the lives he touched. With heartfelt love I am so very sorry for your loss

Dr. Kasik became the Medical director while I was employed as the Food and Nutrition Director at the Oakdale hospital. He was always so pleasant and would befriend anyone. One day one of my food workers was sitting having coffee when he came and sat with her to have coffee also., when he left I asked her how she liked the new Medical Director and she couldn't believe that he had sat down and drank coffee with he,r our previous Director was always a little bit above fraternizing with the kitchen help.

Subsequently I wen to work at the UIHC and he became the Medical Director at the VAMC. About 10 years later I transferred to the VA and I couldn't believe he recognized me and even told me to come talk with him if I ever had any concerns.

He was a great person and a wonderful physician, the medical staff and students always looked up to him.

I am so happy he was in my professional life.

Sinderely Suzanne Koury

John was one of my mentors during my VA career. Always loved his ability to relate a historical event into what we could be dealing with. Always loved his ability to enjoy all of life, from the simple to the complex.

I know so much about Respiratory Care thanks to Dr Kasik. Also why ducks feet don't freeze to the ice. When I hear His name I remember that story and it makes me smile.

We did not have the pleasure to meet Dr. Kasik, although we've heard some lovely stories about him, and after reading the tributes, he truly was an amazing man!

Our sincerest sympathies go out to his entire family.

My grandpa was the most amazing, sweetest, kindhearted and smartest man I know. I always looked up to him for all he accomplished and everything he has done for me. He was supportive of my dreams and aspirations and a loving grandpa who helped me get through college and be a successful person. I am grateful for all the memories I have of him and being in Iowa swimming down at the pond and going to the country club to swim at the pool. Words cannot express how important he was to me, but heaven Gained another guardian angel. I love you grandpa.

Sherle, I am sorry to hear of John's passing, please know you and your family are in our prayers.

Lisa Coberly

I had the great opportunity to work with John when he was chief of staff at the VA. He was a great physician and a great person and I learned a good deal from him.I have not met anyone I respected more professionally or liked more personnally than John. He will be missed and I share Shirley and the Kasik family's loss.

My thoughts are with all of the Kasik family at this time. I have fun memories of John, both at work at the VA and as a friend of Susan's when we were in our teens. May your memories put a smile on your face and keep your heart warm always.

SHerle, I know no words can express what you are going through but please know my thoughts and prayers are with you as you and your family move through your grief. If you feel a need to talk I am here to listen or we have a group at lensings called YTT (yesterday, today and tomorrow) and you are always welcome to come to our meetings.

keep your memories close to your heart and he'll always be a part of you.

joan

I am so sorry to learn of Dr Kasik's passing. He will long be remembered at the VA. I enjoyed so much working with him in our Primary Care Clinics. Talking to Dr Kasik was like taking a walk through time. He was so very knowledgeable on many, many subjects. Please accept my sincerest condolences. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Sherle and family,

I am so sad to hear of John's passing. I'm thankful for the times spent with him and Sherle in the exercise class. I'll remember his sense of humor and contagious smile.

My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family. John was a great person, he loved being around family and friends, he loved telling stories and jokes. My husband had a chance to meet him as well on the 4th of July 2 years ago at his house with his family. I am so glad I had a chance to visit him in October 2014. Rest In Peace Dr. John Kasik. You will be missed!

I am honored to have known you, Grandpa. You watched me grow up and I share all irreplaceable memories with you, Grandma and our family. I will continue to grow and work as a nurse in your memory. I will show kindness, empathy, and compassion to all of my patients just as you did. May you look down on myself and everyone with pride. I love you forever.