Mike Gassen

Funeral services for Mike Gassen were held on Friday, March 4, 2022, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Gregory, SD, with Father Jonathan Dillon as celebrant.

Music was provided by Geoff Smith, soloist, and accompanied by Katie Opp, pianist. Doris Jelinek was cantor. Lectors were Michael Vedral and GW Ekroth. Flower attendants were Tracie Dvorak and Pam Lang and altar servers were Eli Ekroth and Gabe Ekroth. Sarah Hansen and Katie Vedral were in charge of registration.

Honorary urn bearers were Brianna and Bethany Dix; Gabriel, Emelia, Savannah, and Henry Gassen; Matthew Wills; and Noah, Grace, and Joshua Gassen.

Interment was in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Gregory, SD. Kotrba-Smith Funeral Home of Gregory was in charge of arrangements.

Michael James Gassen was born on March 2, 1948, in Gregory, SD to William “Bud” and Marie (Tlustos) Gassen. He was the first of six children. He graduated from Gregory High School in 1966 before attending the University of South Dakota at Springfield, SD, where he graduated with a degree in business education in 1972.

He was united in marriage to Beverly Miner of Gregory, SD, on June 23, 1973. He began his teaching career in Wynot, NE, before returning to Gregory to raise a family. Mike spent time in the automotive parts business before returning to his passion of education. He taught for a number of years in Bonesteel before becoming a full-time guidance counselor in the Gregory school system. All throughout his teaching career, Mike coached multiple sports but loved coaching football, baseball, and golf most of all. Mike was always volunteering in the community and giving back. He participated in such things as the chairman of Gregory County Hope Society, JC’s, Commercial Club, Knights of Columbus, and multiple other organizations.

Mike’s family, especially his ten grandchildren, was the most important thing in his life. After retiring from teaching in 2013, Mike and Bev moved to Bellwood, NE, to be closer to their grandchildren and enjoy lake life. He always had a few ones in his wallet for the grandkids, and really enjoyed giving them golf cart rides around the lake. Mike had a unique voice and ability to connect with people wherever he went.

Mike “Wheels” Gassen of Bellwood, NE, died Tuesday, February 22, 2022, at his home.

He was preceded in death by his children Jason and Landee; parents William and Marie; sisters Dianne Vedral and Nancy Ekroth; nephew Brian Ekroth; and his maternal and paternal grandparents.

He is survived by his wife Beverly of Belllwood, NE; three children: Jeff (Ranee) Dix of Commerce Township, MI; TJ (Laura) Gassen of Columbus, NE; and Jed (Kimberly) Gassen of Columbus, NE; grandchildren: Brianna and Bethany Dix; Gabriel, Emilia, Savannah, and Henry Gassen; and Matthew Wills, Noah, Grace, and Joshua Gassen; two brothers: Matt and Kelly; one sister Peggy Cassidy; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, and friends.