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Funeral services will take place on Friday, August 26, 2022 at 10:00 AM (Mountain).

United Church
Philip, South Dakota

Masonic Cemetery
Philip, South Dakota
Visitation will be held 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, August 25, 2022 at Rush Funeral Home in Philip.



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In memory of

Joann Van Tassel

of Midland, South Dakota, died on Sunday, August 21, 2022 at the Scotchman Living Center in Philip at the age of 89

Joann Darlene Van Tassel was born on July 15, 1933, the youngest of four children born to Vern and Eloise (Bradley) Walker. She grew up on a farm near Ogallala, Nebraska. She attended rural country school through the 8th grade and then graduated from Ogallala High School in 1950.

As a young lady she helped her father and Uncle Earl Walker with their custom farming and combining and always took pride in the fact she could drive tractors and caterpillars. It was during one of those trips north into South Dakota that she met the love of her life Walter “Junior” Van Tassel. They were married October 26, 1952 and lived their entire life on the farm near Ottumwa, South Dakota. Walter and she established quite the seed business.

Joann enjoyed doing all types of crafts, but particularly liked wood burning. She was a member of the Ottumwa Ladies Extension Club and held many offices at the local and county levels. Later she was a member of the Tea Timers Club from Philip and enjoyed helping with the blood drives she sponsored.

Walter and Joann took many trips together, including a trip to China. She enjoyed sharing the photos of their adventures with everyone.

Joann is survived by her children: Steven (Susan) Van Tassel, Sandra (Dennis) Heaton, Linda (Ted) Clavel, and James (Brenda) Van Tassel; grandchildren: Terri (Jeff) Staben, Gina (Brian) Steinlicht, Jesse (Natalie) Heaton, Brady (Jennifer) Clavel, Krista (Tony) Brown, Michelle Van Tassel, LaRae (Tyler) Jacob, and Ryan Van Tassel; great-grandchildren: Michael Steinlicht, Megan Steinlicht, Erika Steinlicht, Leah Staben, Zoe Staben, Noah Heaton, Charlotte Heaton, and David Jacob; her sister Janet Schroder; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Joann was preceded in death by her husband Walter Van Tassel; her parents; and siblings and in-laws: Vern and Eloise Walker, special Uncle Earl Walker, Robert Walker, Frieda Walker, Jean Walker Abrams, Jack Abrams, Fern Konst, and William Lee.

Visitation will be held 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, August 25, 2022 at Rush Funeral Home in Philip.

Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m. Friday, August 26, at the United Church in Philip with Pastor Kathy Chesney officiating.

Interment will follow at the Masonic Cemetery in Philip.

In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established.

Cards and memorials may be sent to P.O. Box 40 Philip, SD 57567.



VISITATION
Thursday, August 25, 2022 - 5-7 p.m.
Rush Funeral Home
Philip, South Dakota

FUNERAL SERVICE
Friday, August 26, 2022 - 10:00 a.m.
United Church - Philip, South Dakota

CLERGY
Pastor Kathy Chesney

MUSIC
Marilyn Millage - Pianist
Congregational Hymns
“Amazing Grace”
“How Great Thou Art”

USHERS
Mark Foland - Dean Heeb

PALLBEARERS
Jeff Staben - Brian Steinlicht - Jesse Heaton
Brady Clavel - Tony Brown - Ryan Van Tassel

HONORARY PALLBEARERS
Terri Staben - Gina Steinlicht
Natalie Heaton - Jennifer Clavel
Krista Brown - Michelle Van Tassel - LaRae Jacob

INTERMENT
Masonic Cemetery
Philip, South Dakota

  • We just learned of the passing of your mom and wanted to let you know that we are so sorry. We know that God is holding you all in His hand to give you peace and strength. ~ Kenny and Robin Stoner Murdo, SD (9/6/2022)
  • What a wonderful lady. She was always so gracious and always ready to stop and visit for a few minutes. I don't believe she ever knew a stranger for she always had a ready smile and a handshake. She will be missed. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. ~ Don & Bobette Schofield Milesville, SD (8/26/2022)
  • Deepest sympathy. ~ Melody and Tony Kelly Philip sd (8/25/2022)
  • We are thinking of you folks during this difficult time. Hold on to all the memories. ~ Les & Joann Pearson Philip, SD (8/25/2022)
  • Our deepest sympathy to the Van Tassel family. Made many trips to Golden Willow Ranch over the years. Walter and Joann were some of the finest people I've ever known. ~ Kenneth & Linda McIlravy Philip (8/24/2022)
  • On behalf of the Schofield family I would like to extend our deepest sympathy. Joann was a pillar of the Ottumwa community and will be greatly missed. May God bless and keep you in this sad time. ~ Mary Hengstler Sundance Wy (8/24/2022)
  • My deepest sympathy to the Van Tassel family in the loss of Joann. May the love of family and friends help comfort you in the days ahead. ~ Karen Webb Rapid City SD (8/24/2022)
  • I am so sorry for your loss. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers. Im so glad I had the opportunity to get to know JoAnn when she lived at Silverleaf. She was special lady with a big heart. I know she is happy in Heaven now. ~ Julie McLaughlin Midland (8/23/2022)
  • We are very sorry for your loss. ~ Jason & Lisa Schofield Philip, SD (8/23/2022)
  • My thoughts an love are with you all. Your mother was a treasure. She lived her life well. ~ Marlana Ruth Jones Hatch Columbus, Ohio (8/23/2022)
  • Many thoughts and prayers for you all as you tell your Mother goodby. ~ Connie L Lee MISSION (8/23/2022)
  • Sending condolences to the Van Tassel family on the lose of your mother. May God provide you comfort, strength and healing in this time. ~ Patty Willoughby Ocala, FL (8/23/2022)
  • FL ~ Patty Ocala (8/23/2022)
  • So sorry to hear about your mother. She was a great lady and will be deeply missed. Sending our sympathies, prayers and hugs. ~ Nancy Pekron Ehrhardt Brandon (8/22/2022)
  • Jim and family, please accept my deepest sympathy in the loss of your Mother. My prayers are with you. Glenn ~ Glenn Sealey Colome, SD (8/22/2022)
  • So sorry for your loss. Joann was hard working, talented lady. God Bless ~ Ralph & Cathy Fiedler Sturgis, SD (8/22/2022)
  • A light has gone out, a joy has stilled when this lady's heart stopped. Her stories of her life delighted me and we laughed often together. She will be remembered and missed.
    My prayers of great comfort are for you, her beloved family...her true treasures
     ~ Rebecca Essen Philip (8/22/2022)
  • Special thoughts for the Van Tassel, Heaton, Clavel families. ~ Sandra Nantais Mission, TX (8/22/2022)