Rainbow Network founder Keith Jaspers dies

The founder of Springfield-based nonprofit The Rainbow Network Inc. has died.

Keith Jaspers, 80, died Nov. 8, according to his obituary posted to GormanScharpf.com. His cause of death was not disclosed.

Jaspers and his wife, Karen, started The Rainbow Network in 1995 to help people in rural Nicaragua with nutrition, health care, education and housing needs, according to past reporting.

Rainbow Network President Megan Herrera provided a statement on behalf of the nonprofit to Springfield Business Journal.

"We are celebrating the life of Keith Jaspers alongside his family, his friends and thousands of Nicaraguans," the statement reads. "We will forever be grateful for Keith’s conviction to help the economically poor. His holistic vision to help people become independent was ahead of its time and something others have sought to model ever since.

"The ripple of Keith’s legacy will last many generations."

The Jasperses moved to Springfield in 1982 and bought Battlefield Lanes, and after later selling it, purchased four hotels. The profits from the hotels were the initial funding for The Rainbow Network, a faith-based organization, according to the nonprofit's website.

Keith Jaspers retired from The Rainbow Network in 2018, when Herrera became the nonprofit’s leader, according to Springfield Business Journal archives.