Obituary: Walter "Junior" Van Tassel

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In memory of

Walter "Junior" Van Tassel

of Philip, South Dakota, died on Thursday, July 12, 2012 at the Hans P. Peterson Memorial Hospital in Philip at the age of 88

Walter Harlan Van Tassel was born February 16, 1924 in Ottumwa, Iowa to Walter E and Ruth Van Tassel. Walter (“Junior” to many) moved to the Midland area in 1929. He lived with his grandparents William and Pearl Lee on the 1912 homestead ranch north of Ottumwa and was raised like brothers and sister with his Aunt Fern (Lee) Konst and Uncle Bill Lee.

Walter was educated at the Mattison Country School where he graduated the 8th grade.

Walter continued to farm and ranch with the Lee’s and became very mechanically inclined, working on the farm equipment, keeping it moving during the war years (Baling wire and a good set of pliers will fix anything).

In 1951 a custom farming crew from Nebraska made its way into the Ottumwa (SD) area. Joann Walker, who was driving truck for her parents, was invited to a birthday party for Bill Lee where she met Walter. There were several trips to Nebraska over the next year that was culminated by their marriage in 1952. Walter continued to work the ranch with the Lee’s and started his family. Walter and Bill Lee established the Golden Willow Ranch on the original homestead, which raised registered Black Angus cattle, Certified Seed, farming and custom grain cleaning.

Over the years Walter worked hard to improve the quality of seed produced by Golden Willow Seeds. During this time period Walter was recognized with several awards, including the 1991 South Dakota Certified Seed Grower of the year. In 1995 Walter and Joann were invited to participate as ambassadors for People to People mission and traveled to China. They also made trips to various locations in the United States and to Mexico. It was during this period that Walter was able to meet and shake hands with former President Jimmy Carter.

All who knew Walter had no doubt of his honesty and work ethic. Seldom was work being done that he was not involved in. He enjoyed talking with people who came to visit or have grain cleaned. If you were around him for any amount of time, you got the benefit of his story-telling and his ever present big smile and a sparkle in his eyes. He also enjoyed working on all machinery, from the simplest to the most complex, and could get just about anything back up and running.

Unfortunately, he never got around to building his “flying machine” but was able to fly in an airplane with son Jim and finally got to ride in a helicopter last summer. One of his favorite pastimes was fishing. He always enjoyed hunting, playing the violin and accordion, and tinkering.

Grateful for having shared his life are his wife of 59 years Joann Van Tassel; four children: Steven Van Tassel (Susan) of Midland, Sandra Heaton (Dennis) of Midland, Linda Clavel (Ted) of Mankato, Minnesota, and James Van Tassel (Brenda) of Midland; eight grandchildren, Terri (Heaton) Staben, Gina (Heaton) Steinlicht, Jesse Heaton, Brady Clavel, Krista (Clavel) Brown, Michelle Van Tassel, LaRae Van Tassel and Ryan Van Tassel; five great-grandchildren Michael Steinlicht, Megan Steinlicht, Erika Steinlicht, Leah Staben and Zoe Staben; a half-brother Donald VanTassel of Ottumwa, Iowa; a half-sister Eunice Valentine (Phil) of Ottumwa, Iowa; a special Aunt Fern Konst; and a special uncle William “Billy” Lee.

Walter was preceded in death by his parents Walter and Ruth (Caster) Van Tassel; a half-brother Vern Van Tassel; his maternal grandparents William and Pearl Lee.

Visitation was held 5-7 p.m. Sunday, July 15, at the American Legion Hall in Philip, and one hour prior to the services at the hall on Monday.

Funeral services were held 10:00 a.m. Monday, July 16, at the American Legion Hall in Philip, with Pastor Kathy Chesney officiating.

Interment was at the Masonic Cemetery in Philip.

A memorial has been established to the Midland Volunteer Fire Department and the Midland Ambulance.

Cards and memorials may be sent to: Van Tassel Family, 21304 238th Ave. Midland, SD 57552.

FUNERAL SERVICES
Monday, July 16, 2012 - 10:00 a.m.
American Legion Hall
Philip, South Dakota
CLERGY
Pastor Kathy Chesney
MUSIC
Barb Bowen - Pianist
Chuck & Ruth Ann Carstensen - Vocalists
“Amazing Grace”
“How Great Thou Art”
USHERS
Reuben Vollmer - Mickey Daly
PALLBEARERS
Mark Foland - Glen Hostutler
Tony Willoughby - Ed Heeb
Dean Heeb - Vincent Schofield
HONORARY PALLBEARERS
“Birthday Buddies”
Vern & Carrol Foland
Lawrence & Ronda Schofield
All Walter’s Grandchildren & Great-Grandchildren
INTERMENT
Masonic Cemetery
Philip, South Dakota

Open the Memorial Folder

Visitation: 5-7 p.m. Sunday, July 15, at the American Legion Hall in Philip,
Funeral services: 10:00 a.m. Monday, July 16, at the American Legion Hall in Philip.
Interment: Masonic Cemetery in Philip.

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George came into the house yesterday and was quite upset as he had heard that Jr had had a bad stroke. He went on to say how much he admired him and his work ethic. Said he had never seen a man that worked like Mr. VanTassel. Mr. VanTassel always had a smile on his face and a good word to say. They just don't make them like your gentleman anymore. What a eulogy will be written and spoken for him. He will be missed by all who knew him. Your family is in our prayers for good days ahead. Your faith will certainly carry you. ~ George & Shirley Dennis Box 92 - Philip, SD 57567 (7/12/2012)
May God's comfort be yours during this time. Our deepest condolences on the loss of a wonderful role model. ~ The McIlravy's Philip (7/12/2012)
Our deepest sympathy to all of you. We have known Walter for a long time and will always remember his great smile and never was he too busy to visit for a minute. Keep those special memories in your heart..Don and Sally
~ Don and Sally Ehlers Midland (7/12/2012)
Remember the good times and always keep them in your heart! A great honest man.

~ Jim & Vonnie O'Dea Howes, SD (7/12/2012)
Walter was always pleasant to visit with. I especially remember the love and pride he took in his grandchildren. May God bless you and strenghten you during this difficult time. ~ Mark Ford St. Cloud, MN (7/12/2012)
We are so sorry to hear about Walter. He was from an age when a person did what was neccessary in life and did it to the best of his ability. He was an incredible worker and when we talked to him recently, he said that he finally decided that it was time for him to stop climbing up to the top of the elevator. And he was disappointed! Samantha remembers Walter giving her a soda when she went with Joe when she was little. And Joe and I still chuckle about Walter calling the color during a game of Trivial Pursuit at the extension club Christmas party. I can still hear him call "yeller".
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and may you have many more stories with which to remember your husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and brother. ~ Julie, Joe and Samantha Schwalm Midland (7/12/2012)
We are deeply sorry for your loss! Walter was a friend to everyone and was such a nice , hard working, and gentle man! He was always to ready to visit no matter how busy he was!! Many story can be told I'm sure of Walter. May God Bless you and let him wrap his arms around you in your hours of need. Our prayers go out to you all!!
~ Gary & Jody Block Midland, SD (7/12/2012)
Dear Van Tassel Family, my deepest sympathy to all of you. Larry told me about how special going to the Lee's was when he was a little boy, those were fond memories. He thought that Walter was an especially gifted man as well as honest as the day is long! I am glad Larry shared those memories with me so that I felt I knew him too. Love and prayers as you journey on without him. ~ Mary Kay Sandal 19375 Morgan Rd. Howes, SD (7/12/2012)
I am pleased to have called Walter my friend, and remember our fun conversation as we lunched at LaRae's graduation reception. He has left a wonderful legacy--his talented family. He has made the world a better place. My sympathy to you all. Prayers from one who cares. ~ Pat Snook Midland (7/12/2012)
So sorry to hear about Junior's passing. He was a very special man and a great neighbor. Your in our thoughts & prayers. He will be missed greatly ~ larry schulz & family philip,sd (7/12/2012)
Joann and family, Praying for comfort and strength for you all in this time of loss. Memories of the excitement of your travels, enjoyment from old tractors (because that is what was used all the time at Golden Willow), and the ever present smile and howdy when we met, get that alfalfa seed bagged, wheat cleaned, or whatever, are all of the things we'll remember about Walter. No day was too hot or cold, nor job too dirty to be tackled with a smile and chatting while getting it done. ~ Bill & Marsha Sumpter Kadoka (7/12/2012)
Dear Joann and family,
I was deeply saddened to hear of Junior's passing. Just seems like some things should always be there. A trip to Golden Willow just won't be the same without being greeted by that big smile of his. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Take care of each other at this difficult time in your lives. Thinking of you. ~ Rita & Monte Anker Murdo (7/12/2012)
Thoughts and prayers go out to the Van Tassel families. Was shocked saddened to hear about Junior's passing. I always loved hearing him tell stories. You will never know how many lives he touched. He has left a tremendous legacy for his family. He will be missed by many. We know that you will miss him greatly. ~ Sandra (Lee) & Jack Nantais Centerville, SD (7/12/2012)
Joanne and Family. What a tremendous loss you have had. Junior was a rare person in this world today. Honesty, integrity, and humility were what made up this man. He set the bar pretty high for the rest of us to follow. He always had that big smile no matter what was going on. He was one of the most genuine people we ever knew. What you saw was what you got, and no one ever deserved a rest more than he. We were privileged to call him friend. We are sorry for your loss and you will be in our thoughts and prayers. Heaven has a brighter star today! ~ Donnie and Bobette Schofield Milesville, SD (7/12/2012)
Dear Family: Our tender thoughts and prayers will be with you all at this sad time. He was a wonderful man. May God bless you, Mike & Shar ~ Mike & Shar Moses Philip (7/12/2012)
Sandra & family~ So sorry for your loss ~ Lonnie Arneson & Teri Ann Elm Springs, SD (7/12/2012)
May you find peace knowing that you are in our thoughts and prayers. He will never be forgotten . ~ Vincent and Mary Midland (7/12/2012)
I was saddened to hear this morning of Mr. Van Tassel's passing. I was always a fan of his, as he was born on the same and day and year as my father, George. In fact my father had just seen Walter in Philip not more than a few days ago and commented how the two of them for bieng in their late 80's how active they both still were. May your memories never fade of such a nice man. ~ George and Kris Smith Milesville, SD (7/12/2012)
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. We always enjoyed our visits with Walter when we came down for seed cleaning or buying seed. Cherish all those good memories. God bless!! ~ Tucker and Bev Hudson Howes sd (7/12/2012)
We are thinking of you all at this time, and will continue to do so in the days and weeks ahead. Losing the patriarchs of our families is truly hard-you find a new routine that doesn't include that day to day interaction, but you will find it's not quite the same. When in doubt, as to what or how it should be done, Walter will certainly be whispering to you-if you listen. The oddest things provoke the strongest recollections-we hope you find comfort in those moments. Bless Walter for his hard working hands and strong ethics and honesty. We should learn from that example! Loved that jolly face! Take care. ~ Jason and Vonda Hamill and Family Milesville (7/12/2012)
So sorry to hear of Walters' passing,and my deepest sympathy to all the family. I am thankful to have had so many memories of him,and will treasure them even more now. ~ Sherman Burns Sheridan Wyoming (7/12/2012)
I have known Walter for a very long time, and have enjoyed some of his stories and great wit. He was a live wire to be sure and enjoyed life to the max. He will be missed very much by all that knew him or had been round him. ~ Dan Uhrig Philip, SD (7/12/2012)