Mike “Wheels” Gassen of Bellwood, NE died peacefully Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2022 at his home surrounded by family.
A visitation/prayer service was held on Sunday, Feb. 27 from 3 to 5 p.m. at St. Isidore’s Catholic Church in Columbus, NE.
A visitation/prayer service will also be held March 3 from 5-7 p.m. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Gregory, SD. Memorial service will be held on March 4 at 10:30 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Gregory, SD with graveside service and lunch at Mary Vale following.
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 where he graduated with 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 was the most important thing in his life, especially his 10 grandchildren. 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.
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 Bellwood, NE; three children: Jeff (Ranee) Dix of Commerce Township, MI; TJ (Laura) Gassen of Columbus, NE; and Jed (Kimberly) Gassen of Columbus, NE. His grandchildren: Brianna and Bethany Dix; Gabriel, Emilia, Savannah, and Henry Gassen; and Matthew Wills, Noah, Grace, and Joshua Gassen. He is also survived by his two brothers: Matt and Kelly, one sister Peggy Cassidy, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, and friends.
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