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Funeral services will take place on Saturday, February 21, 2026 at 11:00 AM (Mountain).

Fine Arts Building
Philip, South Dakota

PRIVATE FAMILY INTERMENT
Masonic Cemetery
Philip, South Dakota
A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the Fine Arts Building in Philip.



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In memory of

Susan VanTassel

of Ottumwa, South Dakota, died on Thursday, February 12, 2026 at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls at the age of 67

Susan Kay Alber was born on February 28, 1958 to Harold and Myrtis (Nissen) Alber in Red Cloud, Nebraska. She attended high school in Bladen, Nebraska. After high school, she attended college at University of Nebraska, Lincoln, where she solidified her love of the Nebraska Huskers. She started her career in teaching at rural schools in the Nebraska Sand Hills. She eventually took a job teaching at a school in Belvidere, SD. In 1987, she began teaching at Ottumwa Rural School where she met Steve, who she would marry June 10, 1988. Between 1992 and 1995, three children were welcomed into the family, Michelle, LaRae, and Ryan. Her kids were her pride and joy. Everything she did, she did for her children. She did her best to ensure her children were given as many opportunities and experiences as possible. Over the years, she had many jobs where she developed lifelong friends and connections. In 2021, she retired from teaching after 30+ years, her last school being Cheyenne-Eagle Butte where she spent 17 years. This started her second lease on life.

The impending arrival of her first grandchild sparked her new wellness journey and rekindled her passion for creating. Gardening, crafting, painting, scrapbooking, and travelling were some of her favorite ways to spend her time. She spent many hours on these activities where she made many connections and new friends, and influenced people through the US. People were always amazed by her skill for artistry when they would see her work. One of her favorite trips was an opportunity she had to travel to Tanzania and Kenya with her friend Dawn. She always had a smile on her face and spread joy everywhere she went. She never let life drag her down, no matter how hard it was. Her life revolved around her grandsons, and they were her pride and joy. She loved being a Grammy more than anything in the world.

Susan is survived by her husband Steve VanTassel of Ottumwa, SD; children: Michelle VanTassel of Columbus, GA, Ryan VanTassel of Ottumwa, SD, and LaRae (Tyler) Jacob of Rapid City, SD; two grandchildren, David and Benjamin Jacob; three grand-dogs, Thor, Jax, and Stella; special cousin Glenda (Jerry) Shaw; and numerous family and friends she considered family.

Susan was preceded in death by her parents Harold and Myrtis Alber, one sister Jolene Alber, and in-laws Walter and Joann VanTassel.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be sent to 21308 238th Avenue Midland, SD 57552.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 21, 2026 at the Fine Arts Building in Philip with Pastor Kathy Chesney officiating. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.

A private family interment will be held at the Masonic Cemetery in Philip.



CELEBRATION OF LIFE SERVICE
Saturday, February 21, 2026 - 11:00 a.m.
Fine Arts Building
Philip, South Dakota

CLERGY
Pastor Kathy Chesney

PRIVATE FAMILY INTERMENT
Masonic Cemetery
Philip, South Dakota

  • So sorry for your loss she will be missed by many! ~ Susan Heinz Philip (2/15/2026)
  • Sending sympathy to all the VanTassel family. May Susan Rest in Peace. ~ Ron & Marilyn Gartner Casa Grande AZ (2/15/2026)
  • I have so many memories of Susan. Slumber parties at her house, playing and going to sporting events, pep club, band... Bladen classmates and friends shared special times with Susan. ~ Dianne Danehey Bladen (2/14/2026)
  • So very sorry to hear of yoss. May memories help in the time of healing. ~ Marsha Sumpter (2/14/2026)
  • I am so very sorry for your loss. She was a great person. ~ Kathy Larson LaDue Anamosa, IA (2/14/2026)
  • Susie was one of the cousins that we all played together and grew up with with in the summer times my sister Mary and I would spend a couple weeks visiting and staying with her! We had so much fun doing stuff on the farm. She was a delightful person and will be missed a lot. Sending hugs and prayers to the family ~ Julie (Alber) Southwick Lincoln NE (2/14/2026)
  • Susan always had a conversation for her friends and was warm and friendly, even living with all she did. What a special person! Blessings and sympathies to you, Steve, and your family. ~ Kelly Penticoff Philip, SD (2/13/2026)
  • Susan and I had an immediate connection. One of her friends from high school in Nebraska was my fraternity brother at the University of Nebraska. She and Steve often invited me out for special occasions and was a generous contributor of time to the ministry of the church. Prayers for peace and comfort for all of you! ~ Mark Ford Brainerd, MN (2/13/2026)
  • Susan was such a radiant person. She had the most giving and caring heart. My prayers are with you all. ~ Chancie Baenen LEAD (2/13/2026)
  • Steve, Michelle, LaRae & family, as you know, Susan had a special gift, touching thousands of lives. Her genuine caring and zest for life radiated from her and touched us all. God bless and keep you. ~ Lyndy Ireland Philip, SD (2/13/2026)
  • I'm so sorry for your loss of this beautiful soul. Susan touched so many lives, and will be missed deeply. ~ Karen Hanson Rapid City (2/13/2026)