Why Casey Kasem Was Laid to Rest in Norway
Casey Kasem was buried in Norway because his wife, Jean Kasem, chose to honor her hometown of Larvik by interring him there according to his stated wish to be buried beside her. After his death in 2014, a family dispute over his remains briefly delayed the plan, but Norwegian authorities released his body for transport and burial in Larvik. The location reflects both personal history and his expressed preference to be close to family in a familiar place.
Key Details at a Glance
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Burial Location | Larvik, Norway | News reports and family statements |
| Deceased | Casey Kasem | Obituaries |
| Date of Death | June 15, 2014 | Obituaries |
| Wife’s Hometown | Larvik, Norway | Biographical reporting |
| Original Death Location | Washington, United States | Coroner and news reports |
Personal and Family Reasons
Jean Kasem, an actress and Casey’s wife of decades, came from Larvik, a coastal town in southeastern Norway. Burying him there fulfilled both a personal connection to her roots and his wish to be buried beside her family. The decision aligned with their shared desire to remain close to loved ones even in death, emphasizing sentimental ties over logistical traditions tied to his death in the United States.
Logistics and Legal Process
After Casey Kasem died in Washington state in June 2014, an autopsy was performed and his body was released to Jean Kasem. Transport to Norway required coordination between U.S. authorities and Norwegian officials. Local authorities in Larvik handled the burial permits and cemetery arrangements. The process followed standard repatriation protocols for non-U.S. burials involving necessary documentation and consular coordination.
Timeline of Key Events
- June 15, 2014: Casey Kasem dies in Washington, United States.
- Mid-2014: Autopsy and release of remains to wife, Jean Kasem.
- Late 2014: Transportation from the United States to Larvik, Norway.
- End of 2014: Private burial in Larvik.
Context on His Final Wishes
In later life, Casey Kasem expressed a clear desire to be buried in Norway, stating he wanted to rest near his wife’s family in Larvik. He communicated this preference to close relatives, which shaped the eventual decision. Although temporary disputes arose among children from earlier marriages about his remains, the core plan honored what he and Jean agreed upon, demonstrating the importance he placed on familial unity in death as in life.
Comparison: Where He Died vs. Where He Was Buried
| Aspect | United States (Death) | Norway (Burial) |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Washington | Larvik |
| Reason for Presence | Medical care at time of death | Spouse’s hometown and personal wishes |
| Legal Authority | U.S. coroner | Norwegian local authorities |
| Family Involvement | Children and wife in the U.S. | Wife and Norwegian relatives |
Legacy and Memorial Considerations
Casey Kasem’s burial in Norway underscores how personal relationships and geographic roots can influence end-of-life decisions, even for well-known figures. It also highlights the practical steps families navigate when arranging burial far from where a person died, ensuring wishes are carried out whenever feasible within legal and logistical boundaries.
FAQ
Reader questions
Was Casey Kasem’s burial legally contested?
Yes, there were legal disputes among his children concerning his wishes and the handling of his remains, which briefly complicated the repatriation and burial plans.
Did he want to be buried in Norway?
Yes, he explicitly expressed a wish to be buried in Larvik beside his wife’s family.
Who decided the burial location?
Jean Kasem and other family members made the final decision, respecting his stated preference.
What role did authorities play?
U.S. officials handled the autopsy and release of remains, while Norwegian authorities issued burial permits and coordinated the cemetery arrangements.
Are the burial sites open to the public?
The cemetery in Larvik is operational and accessible, though specific grave access may be limited by local rules and family preferences.