NOVEMBER 23, 1970 - JANUARY 12, 2026
Dustin Shawn Gasperich, age 55, of Topeka, Kansas, passed away at home on January 12, 2026, surrounded by his family. He fought a courageous battle with stage 4 peritoneal cancer, a rare form of abdominal cancer.
Dustin was born on November 23, 1970, in Manhattan, Kansas. He grew up in McFarland, Kansas, and attended Alma Grade School and Wabaunsee High School. From an early age, he demonstrated a strong work ethic, mechanical aptitude, and loyalty to the people he cared about. As a child, he loved being outdoors riding his bike and ATVs, swimming and boating at Lake Wabaunsee, playing cards, and working at local fireworks stands. After high school, Dustin attended Kaw Area Vocational Technical School in Topeka. He earned a Certificate in Auto Mechanics and gained the technical skills that shaped his lifelong career.
Dustin dedicated his professional life to the automotive industry. He worked for Laird Noller Ford in Topeka where he spent more than 35 years earning respect from colleagues and customers alike through his knowledge, integrity, and commitment to doing things the right way. He started as an auto mechanic and worked his way up to General Manager. Dustin opened his own business, Integrity Auto Truck & RV, in Topeka on April 15, 2025, a dream realized through perseverance and determination. Just as he envisioned, it serves as a one stop shop for automotive, commercial truck, and RV repair with an expert team that treats you like family. The name of his shop reflected who he was at his core—honest, dependable, and deeply committed to serving others. He took great pride in his work and in building something with his wife Jen that would stand as part of his legacy. While his team at Integrity grieves the immeasurable loss, they remain committed to honoring him by continuing to serve customers with the same honesty, care, and dedication he believed in.
Dustin met the love of his life, Jennifer Beck, and they were married on April 18, 2015. Together, they enjoyed life’s simple pleasures and shared countless adventures – traveling, camping, fishing, and boating were just a few. Their partnership brought joy, laughter, and love, not only to each other, but also to family and friends who witnessed the happiness and enduring strength they shared.
Outside of work, Dustin found his greatest joy in moments shared with the people he loved most. Whether around a campfire, on the water, feeling a sense of freedom on his Harley, or simply hanging with others on the patio, Dustin valued connection and laughter resulting from endless stories about good times. He was a racing fan and enjoyed many trips to the sand dunes over the years, including a recent unforgettable trip with his son and grandson.
He was a proud father of two children: Brandon Gasperich (Marisa), parent of Oaklee and Bodhi, and Mackenzie Johanek (Tucker), parent of Colter. He took great joy in being a grandfather and cherished the time he spent with his three grandchildren.
He is survived by his mother, Marilyn Ponte; his three sisters, Krista Hurla (Chad), Rachel Sisson (Jared), and Lindsay Falk (Josh); his three step sisters, August Wessel (Andrew), Amy Ponte, and Teresa Ponte; and 14 nieces and nephews: Peyton Hurla and daughter Emryn, Katelyn Hurla and son Dutton, Brady and Cole Hurla, Jordyn and Jayde Berroth, Easton Sisson, Haidyn and Mason Falk, Alina Wessel, Devin Ponte, and Ellen Doty.
He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Cynthia Beck, and his brother-in-law, Nathan Beck (Miranda). He shared a special bond with his niece and nephews from Nebraska, Elijah, Emma, and Gideon.
He was preceded in death by his father, John Gasperich; his stepfather, Ralph Ponte; his grandparents; and Jen’s father, Mark Beck.
Dustin requested that family and friends be invited to gather in remembrance of him. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 24, 2026, from 12 to 3 p.m. at The Woodshed, 1901 N Kansas Ave, Topeka. We will share stories, music, and memories that reflect what Dustin meant to us. The family will gather privately for a memorial service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made at any Silver Lake Bank branch. Donations will be designated later in honor of Dustin’s life and legacy. Checks should be made payable to Memorial for Dustin Gasperich.
